Eight students will travel abroad to gain practical work experience and to learn about tourism this summer. Ibou Barry, Curtis Dawson, Michele Mayho, Terlena Murphy, Katrina Simons, Nijah Smith, Don Vickers, and Timmacina Webb were the successful applicants of the 2003 summer internship programme which was launched by the Department of Tourism in 1999 to allow Bermuda's youth to take part in the industry and improvement of Bermuda.

They will join the staffs of the department's sales offices in Atlanta, Boston, New York and the staffs of the department's marketing partners in Baltimore, London and New York.

Minister of Tourism, Telecommunicatons and E-commerce Renee Webb spoke about the internship at a press conference held in the Harbour View ballroom at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess yesterday.

She said the programme was a unique opportunity for these students to gain valuable hands-on experience.

"Throughout their internships these students will gain a greater understanding of the tourism product, exposure to the North American and European markets, and the role of the Bermuda Department of Tourism overseas," she said.

Ms Webb explained that the students will be called upon to assist with consumer inquiries, marketing, advertising, and website developments, brainstorming sessions, sales calls, media placements and other operations performed by their placement offices.

Curtis Dawson, an adult student at the Bermuda College, will work in the Boston sales office.

The 53-year-old felt the internship was a good opportunity because Bermudians have "instant information" about the Island. "Bermudian students should be able to sell Bermuda better than anyone else... maybe it's about time that local knowledge was useful," he said.