Bermuda’s hospitality scene is set to benefit from the latest initiative by the global spirits company Bacardi, which on Monday opened the fifth cohort of its bartender training program here on the island. The new cohort, comprising 30 local trainees, will begin a structured curriculum that covers mixology fundamentals, customer service, and the intricacies of responsible alcohol service.

Bacardi’s training programme has been running on the island for three years, with previous cohorts graduating to prominent positions in Bermuda’s bars, hotels and cruise‑port restaurants. The company has partnered with the Bermuda Hospitality Association to ensure the curriculum meets local regulatory standards and industry expectations.

Industry insiders say the programme is a timely investment as Bermuda’s tourism sector continues to recover from the pandemic slump. “Having a steady pipeline of well‑trained bartenders helps our restaurants stand out to visitors who expect world‑class service,” noted Emily Carter, director of the Bermuda Hospitality Association.

The launch event, held at the Bacardi distillery on the island’s western side, was attended by local officials, hospitality managers and the trainees themselves. The company’s spokesperson highlighted that the fifth cohort is the first to incorporate a sustainability module, teaching bartenders how to minimize waste and source locally whenever possible.

Graduates of the programme are expected to play a key role in Bermuda’s ongoing efforts to promote the island as a premium destination for both leisure and business travellers, offering a blend of Caribbean flair and local craftsmanship.