Tourism veterans are being called upon to sell the industry to Bermuda’s uninterested youngsters.They are to visit schools across the Island to try to change the mindset of young people who no longer believe hospitality is a viable career.Many young people believe there is no job security in hospitality as some hotels are closing and others reducing their room numbers.But a “two-page list” of well-known veterans has now been drawn up to help in this latest bid to get young Bermudians to “revive their own tourism industry”The scheme is the brainchild of David Dodwell, the owner of The Reefs, and hospitality stalwart Toby Dillas, who are working with the Bermuda Hospitality Institute.Mr Dillas, 72, was recently awarded a lifetime achievement award at the VIP Excellence Awards for his 48 years in tourism. He worked at several hotels, including being Bermuda’s first black hotel manager at the Bermudiana, before being employed at the Department of TourismMr Dillas said Bermuda was “lacking in on-Island promotion” as young people were no longer interested in working in hospitality.He said: “There’s definitely a lack of interest from young people. The downturn of hotels has created a somewhat negative picture of the industry.“We now have about 2,200 hotel rooms compared to about 5,000 in 1980. The overall tourism product is one of closures.“This has given the impression to young people that there is no job security in hospitality.“We are seeing a ripple effect occurring as the less hotel rooms, the more young people tend to lose enthusiasm.”Mr Dillas also believes the “challenges in earning substantial wages” and the shorter tourism seasons could be putting off young people.This scheme to “put veterans to good use” has been in the pipeline for several years, but it is now in its final stages after Mr Dodwell and Mr Dillas met Karla Lacey, CEO of the Bermuda Hospitality Institute.Mr Dillas said it was not going to be easy to turn things around, but they were confident they would rise to the challenge.He said: “We have to do all we can to improve the confidence of young folks that tourism jobs are secure.“We want to create more of a positive image about the industry so they all have a rethink.“It’s a great career and veterans of the industry have to show them that. We will tell them stories and promote the positives.“I’ve got something to offer and I don’t mind sharing it. I am helping the cause, I am helping Bermuda.”Mr Dillas, who now lives in Florida, believes Bermuda still has “a very positive” overseas reputation as it continues to be known as a “friendly, Island destination.”But he believes the key to giving tourists “the best possible experience” is to have Bermudians working in hotels.Mr Dillas said: “Bermudians in general are far more knowledgeable about the Island.“Young Bermudians working in hotels are needed to put Bermuda back on top.“We must all work together to strive for success, tourism is our lifeline.”Mr Dodwell said after years of planning, they were now ready to get the scheme “up and running.”He said: “We see a real need to get more young people into the industry.“We think the way to do this is to get the veterans of the industry involved. The Island’s young people can learn from them and follow their advice.”Today marks the launch of Hospitality Week with a week-long series of educational events planned to see how hospitable people really are.The events will focus around ‘Reviving the Golden Rule’ of ‘Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you’About 19 public and private schools will be given 45-minute interactive lessons focusing on being hospitable, the importance of good manners and taking pride in our Island home.Ms Lacey called being hospitable “a life skill every individual should master.” She added: “I don’t think anyone would disagree that treating others as we want to be treated is one step every individual can take to make visiting or living here a more pleasant experience.”