Hoteliers insisted yesterday that they want to employ Bermudians - but there are never enough applications.

They were speaking at a job fair, held yesterday at the Fairmont Southampton Princess and organised by the Bermuda Hotel Association (BHA), aimed at attracting more people to the hotel industry. It was the third in a series specifically designed for Bermudians interested in entering the hotel industry.

An estimated 100 jobs, both seasonal and full-year, were available for Bermudians at the fair though representatives of the hotels said they are always looking for qualified people.

John Harvey, Chief Executive Officer of Bermuda Hotel Association, said: “The numbers have been very encouraging. When I was here at 11.30 there were about 70 people. We really want to target Bermudians who want a job in the hotel industry, but if there are no Bermudians then of course spouses of Bermudians, then Bermudian residents and then the companies will have to recruit abroad.

“We did one in April and December last year and this one is the third in a series of job fairs and we hope to have one for students later this year.”

The hotels attending the job fair today included the Fairmont Southampton Princess, the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Elbow Beach, Tucker’s Point, Coco Reef, Rosedon, Cambridge Beaches, and Grotto Bay.

Ben Tutt, Managing Director of The Reefs, added: “The event was definitely useful for community involvement and more people turned out for this one then they did for the other two. It was may have been word of mouth, but also may be the time of year.”

The Reefs Hotel had anywhere between 24 to 30 people approach their table and submit applications, but that may not be enough interest to fill the spots available according to Mr. Tutt.

Mr. Tutt added: “I believe the Reefs has one of the highest amounts of Bermudians employed in the hotel and we really try to promote and train from inside the hotel so it’s a great opportunity for Bermudians.

“Unfortunately, though, we never have enough applicants to fill the positions.”