Bermuda celebrates record year for tourism
Bermuda posted its best ever year for tourism in 2017.
The island broke all previous records with 692,947 total arrivals, which is the highest figure since the Bermuda Tourism Authority began keeping track of data more than 50 years ago.
Tourism spending added $431 million into the island’s economy which represents a 20% increase.
"Bermuda’s tourism industry achieved its most impressive performance in a decade last year with the number of leisure air visitors and the money they spend on-island surging to double-digit percentage growth," said Bermuda Tourism Authority CEO Kevin Dallas in a release.
"We talk about the resurgence of tourism a lot, and we talk about how far we have to go, but it is worth reflecting that is the most visitors Bermuda has ever had in a single year."
Dallas said more than 80% of the growth came from younger travelers aged under 45.
"Almost all of our growth is coming from younger visitors. In particular, the sweet spot seems to be young professionals, folks who we have called adventure seekers and experience enthusiasts, who are in their twenties and thirties and are looking for something different," he added.
Dallas also highlighted the rise in private vacation rental business in Bermuda.
"People worry a lot about the growth of vacation rental and what it means for hoteliers. The good news is that with a growing pie, there’s a bigger share for everyone."
The number of Airbnb listings doubled in 2017, the BTA said.
However there is one issue that could stymie future growth.
Bermuda Governor John Rankin signed into law the Domestic Partnership Act which revokes a law allowing same-sex marriage less than a year after it was enacted.
This will likely lead to LGBTQ travelers rethinking travel plans while it poses a unique problem for cruise lines.
Princess Cruises, Cunard and P&O Cruises have ships flagged in Bermuda, which under the law means they will not be able to hold same-sex marriages aboard wherever they sail around the world.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026