Recently, the Ministry of Economy and Labour, through the Department of Workforce Development (DWD), convened a Hospitality Workforce Summit to address Bermuda’s workforce needs and advance long-term solutions to support the hospitality industry.
The summit brought together key industry stakeholders, including the Bermuda Industrial Union and the Bermuda Tourism Authority, with specific contributions from Fairmont Southampton, the Restaurant Division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, and the Bermuda Hotel Association. Participants shared insights on current and projected staffing demands, emerging skills gaps, workforce pipeline challenges, visitor expectations, and sector priorities.
The Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, underscored the importance of collaboration in strengthening Bermuda’s hospitality workforce, stating, “Hospitality remains a vital pillar of Bermuda’s economy. It is central to our tourism product, providing meaningful employment and career pathways for Bermudians across a wide range of roles. This summit reflects our shared commitment to working with industry partners to ensure Bermudians are prepared, trained, and positioned to take advantage of opportunities within this important sector.”
The summit provided an opportunity for open, solutions-focused dialogue on both immediate and long-term workforce needs. Representatives from hotels of varying sizes, restaurants across the island, and the Bermuda College contributed to discussions on coordinated workforce planning and the importance of building a skilled and supported workforce.
Participants acknowledged ongoing recruitment challenges in some areas and the need for targeted training, workforce stability, and structured pathways to strengthen the local talent pipeline.
Discussions focused on practical strategies to support workforce sustainability, including enhanced training and development initiatives, targeted interventions, and consideration of immigration policies that support industry needs while prioritising opportunities for Bermudians. While some discussions addressed preparations for the 2026 tourism season, it was recognised that several workforce challenges require medium- and long-term solutions.
The Department of Workforce Development will utilise the summit's outcomes to guide ongoing engagement with employers and stakeholders, and to inform future workforce planning initiatives aligned with Bermuda’s broader economic and labour priorities. Minister Hayward also emphasised the importance of sustained participation in the National Workforce Advisory Board’s Hospitality Sub-committee to maintain an active focus on implementation and measurable outcomes.
The Ministry thanks all participants for their contributions and continued partnership in strengthening Bermuda’s workforce and supporting the sustainable growth of the hospitality industry.
For more information on workforce development programmes and initiatives, contact the Department of Workforce Development at 297-7714 or visit www.dwd.bm.