Two students will get the chance to work overseas this summer as part of a Government internship programme designed to encourage young Bermudians to choose a career in tourism.

The students will be placed with top marketing or advertising agencies in New York, London and Baltimore which are used by the Tourism Department.

Tourism Minister David Allen hopes the new eight week internship will convince Bermudians to work in tourism.

They will learn about destination marketing, which involves promoting all aspects of the vacation experience on the Island.

Mr. Allen said: "I am very keen to develop Bermudian talent and have students regard the industry as a viable career choice.

"This programme works in concert with the student internship programme the Ministry started with the cruise industry last summer that saw several Bermudian students spend six weeks on board the Crown Dynasty .

"At least two other cruise lines have agreed to participate in this programme during the coming year.

"Both initiatives complement the annual industry awards that recognize talented Bermudians working in the industry.

"All of this is part of an overall objective to raise the profile of the tourism industry and to ensure that the brightest and the best young people are keen to choose tourism from a career perspective.

"The student will gain agency experience and be exposed to the discipline as it relates to the destination programme. Students will be paid just as if they had acquired any other summer job.'' The programme is open to college or university students entering their junior or senior year this September enrolled in a business programme majoring in travel and tourism, marketing, communications, or a related discipline.

When asked if the programme might be expanded, Mr. Allen said: "The overall initiative to raise the profile of the tourism industry is ever evolving.

"The summer internship programme is a single component of the overall thrust to heighten awareness, develop talent, and recognise the contributions of those people committed to reinventing tourism.''