Bermuda meetings competing with Florida and Caribbean
Bermuda, which at one time saw its hotel base shrink from 9,000 to 6,000 rooms, is again gearing up for a rebound aided in part by the meeting and convention business.
The area was harmed by 9-11 and hurricane fears, but there’s $500 million being spent on renovations, said Michael Winfield, chairman of the Bermuda Hotel Association.
Arrogance may have also played a part, admit tourism officials.
“We all understand that diversification of the tourism market is a good thing. Bermuda has come down off its high horse,” Mr Winfield told Meeting News.
Two properties represent the first luxury hotels to open in Bermuda in 35 years: Tucker’s Point Hotel & Spa and the Jumeirah Southlands Resort.
Bermuda last year began offering a $200-a-head air credit for meeting attendees.
Expensive air fare in the past has discouraged meeting planners. But prices have eased with the arrival of discount carriers such as JetBlue.
Bermuda officials say they are now competing more heavily with US-based planners who often look at Florida or the Caribbean as preferred venues.
The island still lacks a large-scale meeting facility but officials hope a public-private partnership will build a 3,000-person convention center capable of handling larger events.
Report by David Wilkening
David
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