You can be anything you want to be - that was the message of National Youth Tourism Day.

Up to 400 students gathered at Shelly Bay Field yesterday to learn more about careers in tourism. The Department of Tourism's third annual National Youth Tourism Day challenged them to think about the diversity of professions on offer in an ever-changing and challenging industry.

The students were split into eight colour teams, and then into a further 16 groups, to take part in challenges and quizzes, with the winners rewarded with iPods. They travelled across the Island, learning more about careers in tourism by talking to people in various hospitality occupations, from chefs to hotel managers, to creative directors, and also visiting guest accommodations at Coco Reef.

United Dance Productions entertained with hip-hop and there was also a fashion show from Jakoma.

Junior Transport and Tourism Minister, Senator Wayne Caines, told The Royal Gazette that National Youth Tourism Day was all about inspiring "passion for tourism from a young age".

"Tourism is our way forward," he said. "It's the second leg of our economy after international business, and in order for tourism to survive we have to encourage these young people to give us an organic tourism product."

Sen. Caines told the students: "You represent the future of tourism in Bermuda. We are working really hard to make sure Bermuda grows as one of the best tourism destinations in the world, and in order to do this we need the support of you here today. "There are many different opportunities for you in tourism in Bermuda, so don't feel there are no options."

He said these ranged from maitre d's to engineers, from managers to lawyers.

"If we are to continue to grow from strength to strength, we need your support, we need ambassadors for Bermuda. We are looking for people who understand our country and our culture and who are willing to give it to people from around the world," said Sen. Caines.

"We depend on each and every one of you to get involved in our tourism industry."

Miriam Johnston-Fox, winner of the Visitor Industry Partnership's Excellence Awards 'Best of the Best', also addressed the students, telling them: "You represent the future of this Island. Tourism as a career is very rewarding, and has a major impact on the economy of this Island."

Ms Johnston-Fox began handing out towels at a beach club when she was 17 and is now the Vice-President of Human Resources and a member of the senior management team at Tucker's Point Club.

She said: "I am proud to have gone from humble beginnings to have this position. The number one criteria that got me this far was attitude. It's all about mindset. You are in control of your own destiny."

The Tourism Department's Event and Product Development manager, Shane Mora, told The Royal Gazette: "Overall, the day went really well. We are trying to increase the educational component of National Youth Tourism Day, and so have had active challenges and written quizzes, with the best students earning themselves iPods.

"It's hard because right now because international business is taking the lead in terms of career choices, but having events like this and the Conde Nast essay competition gives youngsters the opportunity to be inspired and to think about tourism. "Hopefully now they're a little more conscious about their role in tourism - how you can be an accountant or in construction, or just being a well-behaved citizen on the bus - how we can all contribute."