Miss Hospitality Title To Be Awarded At Pageant

This year’s Miss Bermuda Pageant will be featuring a new addition to its list of crowns – Miss Hospitality. Alongside competing for the new title, the ladies are competing for the titles of Miss Photogenic, Miss Congeniality and the top title, Miss Bermuda.

This is the first time ever that a contestant will be crowned Miss Hospitality. The new title was the result of the combined efforts of the Bermuda Hospitality Institute [BHI] and the Miss Bermuda Pageant Organisation.

“I was excited when the Bermuda Hospitality Institute approached me with this initiative,” said Milika Trott-Seymour, Pageant Organiser. “I thought it would be a great opportunity for the ladies to become more involved with our community and with what I believe is our most important industry.”

Miss Bermuda contestants greeting commuters this morning:

The holder of the Miss Hospitality title commits to providing four hours of service each month to participate in school outreach programs and student networking events and to promote and post hospitality-related events and experiences on social media. She’ll represent the hospitality industry at various functions including the 2014 Bermuda Day Parade.

The hopeful young women had their work cut out for them as they were required to welcome and engage guests at a host of hospitality industry events, undergo a panel interview, and write essays detailing what makes Bermuda unique.

BHI’s rationale for developing the title of Miss Hospitality was simple: “We are always on the lookout for role models and ambassadors for all the values and behaviours that exemplify Bermudian hospitality,” said Karla Lacey, BHI CEO. “Young women who typically compete in pageants have the poise and confidence to interact with strangers, from young to old, in most settings.”

Judging for the title took place June 14 and included Ms Lacey, Cambridge Beaches General Manager Richard Quinn, Kellianne Smith, Director of Human Resources for the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Hotel, Whitney Institute teacher and BHI Education and Outreach Subcommittee member Karen Simmons and Tina Evans-Caines, Manager of On-Island Communications for the Bermuda Department of Tourism. The ladies were critiqued on their communication skills, personality and demeanour, and knowledge of Bermuda’s tourist attractions, history, and economy.

Said Mrs Smith of the contestants: “I was very impressed with their level of knowledge of the industry and their passion and dedication displayed towards our guests. They truly presented themselves with confidence and were able to clearly communicate love for their island.”

Another judge added: “A sense of great pride, being knowledgeable and willing to share with anyone about your country are qualities that Miss Hospitality must possess.”

To ensure Miss Hospitality has first-hand knowledge of the best the Island has to offer, she’ll be awarded a plush package full of night stays at some of Bermuda’s top hotels and vouchers to the Island’s hottest restaurants.

The Reefs, Grotto Bay Resort, The Fairmont Southampton, Rosedon, and St George’s Club are all offering one night stays, complete with complimentary breakfast. She’ll dine with a companion at locations throughout the Island including Cambridge Beaches, Café Amici, Bone Fish Restaurant, Angelo’s Bistro, Fourways Inn, and at any one of the Island Restaurant Group of establishments.

The lucky young lady will also win attraction packages for two at Dolphin Quest, Segway Tours and Island Tour Centre. But all must wait until the big night for the winner to be revealed. The Miss Bermuda Pageant will take place on June 23 at the Fairmont Southampton.

You can view all our coverage of Miss Bermuda here.

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