Minister Crockwell Launches Hospitality Month

Good morning, and thank you for coming today.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome our distinguished guests and students from Whitney Middle School, Delwood Middle School and Victor Scott Primary.

I am happy today to officially launch Hospitality Month with exciting events running the entire month of April.

Hospitality month gives those of us who live on this beautiful island the opportunity to remember what makes Bermuda so special. Our beaches and parks, history and culture, and – of course – our people.

Bermuda owes much of our wealth and good fortune to hospitality. Indeed, Bermuda was the pioneer in many aspects of hospitality which created jobs, development and opportunities for Bermudians.

Countless millions of visitors have also enjoyed Bermuda during the past century. We have hosted Kings and Queens, presidents, famous writers and artists, sporting legends and families from all corners of the globe who came to experience Bermuda first hand – to see why we are so much more.

And the Bermuda Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Bermuda Hospitality Institute and other industry stakeholders are committed to ensuring Bermuda remains one of the top destinations worldwide.

Since April 2010, The Bermuda Hospitality Institute has worked to link hospitality businesses Island-wide with the greater community through promotional activities designed to showcase their services; job and career training to ensure a prepared workforce; and educational programs designed to raise awareness of the industry’s importance to the economic well being of all residents.

BHI has a solid history of successfully partnering with stakeholders for the betterment of the industry.

• In partnership with the Ministry of Education, school principals and 60 industry volunteers, BHI delivers their ‘Hospitality Skills = Life Skills’ program in 10 schools to more than 500 students AND coordinates hospitality job placements for our senior school students
• In partnership with the Department of Labour & Training, the Bermuda College and the Restaurant Industry, BHI coordinates the orientation and post employment sessions for the Waiter/Server Training program
• In partnership with the Bermuda College, BHI has run START, an American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute certified program for high school students. To date- 27 students have completed the program and are gainfully employed during school holidays and breaks.
• In partnership with the Ministry of Community & Cultural Affairs, BHI developed and promoted a month-long hospitality focused program involving more than 3 dozen industry organizations, 17 schools and 2000 students
• In partnership with industry business, BHI developed and promoted ‘Hospitality Trail Guides’ and special events designed to reengage and educate residents on the wide range of activities on offer in Bermuda for locals and visitors alike
• In partnership with the Bermuda Chef’s Association and the Island’s leading wholesale and food distributors, BHI developed, coordinated and promoted ‘Bermuda’s Rising Chef’ competition as an annual signature fundraiser.

BHI continues to find new and innovative ways of fulfilling our mission to encourage Bermudians to pursue a career in the Hospitality Industry; to encourage and develop our network of volunteers; and to grow and solidify our network of industry support.

It’s fitting that in celebrating their third anniversary, they’ve taken charge of ‘Hospitality Month’.

A few of the highlights for Hospitality month include:

• Recognizing the organizations and individuals who represent the best of the industry through the Moongate Awards and VIP Excellence Awards.
• Promoting Hospitality across all media and in the schools including Students in Hospitality Programmes on April 24th.
• The Plates of Passion Chef & Culinary Student dinner will be held at Bermuda College, April 25th
• There will be Hospitality Trail guides focusing on different areas of the Island each week
• Behind the scenes tours at Hotels and discounts at fabulous restaurants
• And we will also be airing the Bermuda Department of Tourism promotions to increase local awareness of how our visitors see Bermuda prior to arrival.

There is something for everyone during Hospitality Month.

I encourage everyone to participate, to make a visitor feel welcome, to visit an attraction you may not have for many years, follow one of the Hospitality Trails and learn something you never knew about our magical island.

Together we can celebrate the Island’s Hospitality Industry which provides opportunities for everyone at every level.

And together we can ensure Bermuda remains one of the world’s top destinations for many years to come.

Thank you.

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