Tuesday, December 5, 2023
The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) presented key highlights from the Bermuda Tourism Summit 2023, which took place on November 28th at the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club. With a turnout of over 200 participants, the summit brought together leaders from the tourism industry, government officials, businesses, and community members, all united in their dedication to fortifying Bermuda’s tourism ecosystem.
Commencing the event, Hon. Owen Darrell, MP, Minister of Tourism, Youth, and Sport, extended a warm welcome, emphasizing the crucial role of collaboration in Bermuda’s tourism sector. Following this, BTA Chairman Wayne Caines delivered an inspiring address underscoring the imperative for innovation and adaptability in today’s competitive environment.
In her opening speech, CEO Tracy Berkeley highlighted the progress achieved in the past year, including the transition to a more stable tourism landscape, targeted sales efforts, and a significant emphasis on raising awareness of the destination. Notable accomplishments featured the launch of BTA+, an online learning platform, and the successful “Lost Yet Found” marketing campaign.
During the beachside chat, Ms. Olamide Olowe, Founder and CEO of Topicals, a burgeoning beauty brand, surprised the audience with a generous $10,000 donation to the Women’s Resource Centre, showcasing her commitment to the local community and leaving attendees moved by her unexpected act of kindness.
The beachside chat also shed light on the partnership between BTA and Topicals, with Ms. Olowe sharing her inspiring journey with Bermuda, and Bermudian photographer Mr. Dion Easton Jr reflecting on his experience working with Topicals.
CEO Tracy Berkeley reflected on the success of the Bermuda Tourism Summit 2023, expressing inspiration from the passion and dedication of all participants. She underscored the summit’s role in reinvigorating a collective commitment to Bermuda’s tourism industry and emphasized the importance of improved communication within the BTA and with valued partners and stakeholders.
Valuable insights emerged from the panel discussion, revealing a projected 20% growth in air capacity in 2024. The recovery of passenger numbers outpaced capacity in 2023, prompting airlines to increase flights for 2024. April and May will witness a significant milestone as Bermuda’s air capacity surpasses 2019 levels for the first time since the pandemic’s onset. With BermudAir now operational, airlines like JetBlue, United, and American Airlines are expanding services to meet demand, restoring previous routes and adding Ft. Lauderdale, Westchester County, and Azores.
The success of the Bermuda Tourism Summit 2023 signifies the resilience and determination of Bermuda’s tourism industry. CEO Tracy Berkeley stressed the importance of collaboration and unity in navigating the evolving tourism landscape, ensuring Bermuda’s position as a top-tier travel destination.
The Bermuda Tourism Authority extends gratitude to all attendees, partners, stakeholders, and the dedicated BTA team for their commitment to Bermuda’s tourism. The summit served as a platform for constructive dialogue, innovative ideas, and a shared vision for the industry’s growth and sustainability.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
