‘Excellent Engagement’ During UK Tourism Push
The Bermuda Department of Tourism [BDOT] and the Bermuda Hotel Association [BHA] joined forces to show tour operators, travel agents and the media that Bermuda has ‘So Much More’ to offer at this year’s UK road show.
From 16th-19th April, BDOT and BHA hosted a series of events in Manchester, Birmingham, and London to raise awareness in the UK of Bermuda as a world-class destination in a bid to increase air arrivals and meet the aggressive goals set out in the National Tourism Plan.
Open discussions and networking events were held to encourage tour operators to promote sales, marketing and PR strategies to proactively drive further sales to Bermuda. The events were attended by more than 200 qualified agents and more than 120 media representatives.
The members of the BHA who co-hosted the events with BDOT were: Fairmont Hamilton Princess and Fairmont Southampton, Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa, The Reefs Resort & Club, Grotto Bay Beach Resort and Rosedon Hotel.
Minister of Tourism Development and Transport Shawn Crockwell joined the group for the road show flagship events on Wednesday and Thursday where he met with key media and trade travel representatives.
Minister Crockwell said, “The UK market produced an estimated economic value and visitor expenditure of $35 million in 2012. We have ambitious growth targets with our partners in 2013.
“In particular, this market has significant potential to deliver throughout our shoulder periods, working towards making Bermuda a 12 month destination, as well as increase the length of stay which is typically twice as long as the US visitor.”
Minister Crockwell continued: “We are currently executing the new brand campaign in the UK which targets a wider audience of visitors by showing that Bermuda can offer ‘So Much More’ than just beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters.
“We have since invested in PR, advertising, sales and marketing strategies within the media marketplace to raise awareness and encourage people to visit this wonderful destination.
“We have had excellent engagement and fruitful conversations and ideas from all of our trade partners that will be implemented in the coming weeks and months.
“I would like to thank all our partners for their on-going commitment and support in the UK and look forward to celebrating our combined sales results in coming months. We are already seeing an increase on pacing which is encouraging indeed,” concluded Minister Crockwell.
If the high end of UK society want to spend the money to come here then we need to UP OUR GAME. Our product is NOT up to par. Service, or lack of it, here in Bda is the problem. People who have money don’t mind spending it, they just want the service expected with that price. We need more, “Yes sir anything else we can do for you?” and less “I’m knockin’ off check you later”.
@ Deliverance,
If you check the stats, over the last 15 years the european market is not where we get most of our visitors from. This is why Bda has not been marketed heavily in the UK.
And for your 2nd point, I believe there are a bunch of lazy Bermudians here, but there are also many hard working hospitality people within this country as well. Speaking from a person who has been in the hospitality industry since 1998, if the salaries were better, I believe people would not mind going the extra mile. But when people make a low weekly wage, what honestly do you expect?
And speaking for a person who has visited the UK, they could learn a thing or two from us with regard to service mate. Their prices are inflated just like ours, and their service ain’t that sharp.
What a data of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious know-how about unexpected feelings.