More than $300,000 in scholarships has been awarded to hospitality students in less than a decade.

Premier Ewart Brown said the Hospitality Endowment Fund granted the scholarships between 2002 and 2009.

"In 2002, the Bermuda Hospitality Endowment Fund was created by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, to provide financial assistance to those with Bermuda status seeking careers in the hospitality industry," he said. "Between 2002 and 2009 the Hospitality Endowment Fund has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to Bermudians pursuing studies at the Bermuda College and various institutions in the US, Canada and Europe."

And he said the creation of the new Bermuda Hospitality Institute would hopefully encourage more locals to get involved in the industry.

"I encourage everyone who is interested or who knows someone who is interested in the hospitality industry to look out for our massive multimedia campaign aimed at Bermudians who have the slightest interest in hospitality," he added."