Bermuda's charm and beauty attract visitors

Out of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) for three years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bermuda is back and rearing to showcase its charm and beauty to visitors.

The British territory rejoined the CTO last April.

Bermuda was a member before the emergence of the pandemic in 2020.

The 21-mile long island was represented at this year’s Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Travel Marketplace in Barbados in early May.

“We are very excited to be back in the CTO fold,” said Stephen Todd, the Bermuda Hotel Association (BTA) Chief Executive Officer. “We are rebuilding the economy after the pandemic and attracting visitors back to our shores to experience the best we can provide them. Our island has a world heritage site, the largest number of churches per square mile and beautiful golf courses, including one that has hosted a PGA event the last six years.”

Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Chairman Kenneth Bryan (r) with Bermuda Hotel Association Chief Executive Officer Stephen Todd (c) and Jamaica Inn General Manager and Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism Chairman Kyle Mais at the CHTA Travel Marketplace in Barbados (Photo by Ron Fanfair)

Since triathlete Flora Duffy won the island’s first Olympic gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics, the endurance multi-sport has gained popularity.

Last year, Bermuda hosted the penultimate leg of the World Triathlon Championship Series.

“In addition, there are sailing events attracting top mariners, an opportunity to bird watch and whale watching during the early months of the year,” added Todd, a former Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) Deputy Chairman.

There are 41 licensed hotel properties on the island.

Closed for redevelopment, Bermuda’s largest hotel – the Fairmont Southampton -- is expected to re-open next year.

There are a large number of small luxury hotels on the island providing an exclusive and intimate experience for visitors.

“Our focus, given the uniqueness of our small size, is to ensure we provide a boutique hotel property,” said Todd. “There are about 150 of them.”

In 2022, Bermuda welcomed 553,000 visitors.

The majority – 73 per cent -- came from the United States followed by the United Kingdom and Canada.

Bermuda Hotel Association Chief Executive Officer Stephen Todd (Photo by Ron Fanfair)

“Our focus is on a green economy,” Todd pointed out. “The needs of visitors have changed over years and Canadians are interested in what we are doing to eliminate protocols that have a negative impact on the economy. That is why we market ourselves as a green economy location.”

Air Canada provides four flights weekly between Toronto and Bermuda while West Jet flies three times every week.

“The distance by air between the two locations is about two-and-a-half hours,” Todd noted. “Canadians look for more than just sun, sea and sand. We have much to offer in terms of our culture, brand and friendliness of our people. If you are looking to escape the harsh Canadian winter, Bermuda is an option.”

Earlston Dill Jr., the BTA Travel Industry Sales Manager, and Digital Marketing Manager Tiara Webb joined Todd in Barbados for the 41st CHTA Travel Marketplace.

“Like everyone else, we are trying to generate traffic to our island after the pandemic,” said Dill who has been with the BTA for 32 years and is based in New York. “Located in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, we are a destination that visitors will relish when it comes to fun filled activities and places of interest.”

Earlston Dill Jr. and Tiara Webb (r) doing business at the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Travel Marketplace in Barbados (Photo by Ron Fanfair)

Up until the 1980s, tourism was the island’s main source of economic growth.

Britain’s oldest economy has experienced an economic dependency shift to international business with over 18,000 global companies and partnerships operating out of Bermuda.

“We have a number of tax treaties in place with major countries to ensure their business and residents are compliant with international regulations,” said Todd who was a waiter on a small property before embarking on 35-year banking career.

He rejoined the hotel sector 10 years ago.