Bermuda International Airport - More Travellers Flock to Bermuda

Maybe it's the location, or the pleasant year-round climate, or the pink sand beaches and natural beauty. Whatever the reason, for business or pleasure, visitors are flocking to Bermuda.

The recent upturn in Bermuda’s tourism business can be traced in large part to the efforts of Bermuda’s entire tourism industry in cooperation with the Bermuda Government’s Ministry of Tourism and Transport, which oversees the Department of Tourism and the airport. With total arrivals up significantly in 2006, an aggressive, integrated campaign initiated by the Ministry is paying dividends.

BERMUDA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Consistently ranked by passenger surveys as one of the world’s top airports, Bermuda International Airport has doubled the number of air carriers to twelve and now offers non-stop air service to fourteen destinations in the US, Canada, and Europe, including such important international travel hubs as New York, Miami, and London.

In the last few years, the total number of flights arriving in Bermuda has increased by 30% including new service by United Airlines and low-cost carriers JetBlue and USA3000. The arrival of JetBlue this summer, with its daily, non-stop service from New York’s JFK Airport, heralded a new era of more competitive airfares and an influx of new visitors.

BERMUDA'S TOURISM CAMPAIGN

The Tourism Department's campaign includes targeted advertising, public relations, promotions, and, recognizing the growing importance of the Internet in researching and booking travel, a complete overhaul of its website. The new site is updated daily and includes comprehensive information about visiting Bermuda broken down into user-friendly categories for vacationers, weddings, meeting planners, travel agents and media.

Also included in the campaign is a new incentive program aiming to convert the island's many one-day cruise passengers into return visitors utilizing Bermuda’s airport and hotel facilities.

Expanded entertainment and special events offerings along with their first-ever 'Hurricane Guarantee' program is making Bermuda a popular year-round destination.

"There is no doubt that Bermuda is more attractive than ever," said Bermuda's Minister of Tourism and Transport, Dr. the Honorable Ewart F. Brown. "Whether it is hotel investors, new air carriers to the island, or the energizing of the next generation of tourism workers, there is a great deal of confidence in our product and we feel this will only benefit our island and guests," he added.

MEETING THE INCREASING DEMAND

To help meet the growing demand for accommodations, $1.6 billion in hotel projects ranging from the creation of new inventory at existing properties to the development of entirely new resorts have been announced.

Highlights of the more than dozen hotel projects in the works include a Hilton Grand Vacation Club at Ariel Sands; a resort co-owned by world-famous actor and Bermuda resident, Michael Douglas; and the highly-anticipated opening of a new hotel and spaat the award-winning Tucker's Point Club.

With marked results recorded in each of the two quarters since the integrated marketing campaign began, Minister Brown expects that tourism will remain strong. With the influx of new air service, new hotel development and more for visitors to do once they arrive, Bermuda's future looks to be in the pink.