Up to 400 youngsters are to get a day out of school in order to learn about the importance of tourism to the wealth and welfare of the Island. In an effort to give the youth of Bermuda an understanding and appreciation to the Island of having vitality in its hospitality industry the Department of Tourism has created a Annual National Youth Tourism Day to be held on May 26, which will see possibly hundreds of students being engaged in the industry for a day rather than go to classes.

?Over the course of the last generation the focus in Bermuda has shifted away from tourism, and we want to remind every Bermudian, especially our younger ones, that the world of tourism affects is all,? said Tourism Minister Ewart Brown.

?It is imperative this generation of Bermuda?s youth realise that no matter their interest, the world of tourism has a place for them; be it as a hotel manager, a chef, a graphic artist or a tugboat pilot.?

It is hoped up to 400 students will register for the day out and a promotional campaign has started this week to attract schoolchildren to sign up. Students will be divided up based on their personal interests and introduced to workers in the industry to gain an inside perspective.

Deputy Premier Dr. Brown has also expressed thanks to radio station Hott 107.5 for helping with the promotion of the programme.