Bermuda Heroes Weekend Attracts 540 Visitors
This year’s Bermuda Heroes Weekend [BHW] saw 540 international guests travel to Bermuda specifically for Bermuda Heroes Weekend, more than double the amount of tourists from last year – 172.
This is according to the organisers, who said: “The average expenditure of each visitor was $2,800 and includes airfare, accommodations, events, food, transportation and a costume for Parade of Bands. This results in a $1.5 million spend for 2016 compared to $442,000 for 2015.”
Slideshow of the BHW Parade of Bands:
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Jason Sukdeo, President, Bermuda Heroes Weekend, says: “While planning Bermuda Heroes Weekend, our committee wanted to increase the number of visitors and the amount of money spent by each visitor.
“We are thrilled to have more than double both international attendees and the average visitor spend. This is direct evidence of Bermuda Carnival being a quality product that will attract international and local guests for years to come.”
The committee said they measured the success of the weekend by the following:
- A second incident-free weekend of events
- Exceeded targets for visitor arrivals specifically for BHW 2016
- International impressions and increased awareness for Bermuda
- Numerous accolades from international guests with promises of return visits
- Economic stimulation
Mr Sukdeo added: “Bermuda is truly a unique destination and we believe Bermuda Heroes Weekend is a major asset to our tourism product.
“We have started planning for 2017 and we look forward to once again creating a world-class, distinctive product that will not only attract locals to participate, but also carnival lovers from around the world.”
Slideshow of the J’Ouvert celebration
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BHW said they “would like to thank Premier Michael Dunkley, Minister of Public Works Craig Cannonier, Bermuda Tourism Authority and various government agencies including the Bermuda Police Service, Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service and Department of Parks.
The committee would also like to thank Bermuda Land Development Company, National Sports Center, Department of Youth, Sport & Recreation, St. John Ambulance Brigade, Marcus’ Restaurant and Chef Leonardo Marino, vendors and volunteers.
Sponsors for the event included Colonial Insurance, The Bermuda Tourism Authority, Jet Blue, CellOne, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, The Corporation of Hamilton, Correia Construction, Burrows Lightbourn Ltd., John Barrit & Son Ltd. and Bermuda Motors.
Next year’s Bermuda Heroes Weekend will be held from June 16-19, 2017.
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It’s time to take the carnival mainstream and to a higher level and not pushed to the ends of the island. This is a quality product and our people need to move up with the times. Let us parade down front street out on east Broadway turn back around at the Jonny Barnes round a bout and come back thru Hamilton on a Sunday afternoon. Let the shops and restuarants in front street with brother vendors sell their product. Jason keep moving us from these dark ages.
I agree 100%!!
why front street?
Really, take it back of town for the revitalization program.
why not front street ?
why not?!
Wait…. Why not what?
I actually thought it was fantastic out in St. Davids. Plenty of space, little disruption, ending in Coopers for a party; perfect location.
No offense, but you have no idea what you are talking about. Your suggestions were already tried but due to agreements not working out, down the country was the best option. Front Street and the likes were totally out of the question; obviously this was out of the committees hands as to why it could not happen there. Hopefully after the rave reviews and turnout of this years Carnival, Corporation of Hamilton may reconsider.
Would be nice to see more fit bodies and less material !!!!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations keep up the good work and stay out of the box..continue to set the standard of quality for this conservative island.
Front Street out on to East Broadway turn back around CROW LANE and come back.
Great job putting on a great event for Bermuda, I see those numbers doubling within the next 5 years.
i have popcorn ready !
Great weekend!! Loved events like Jouvert, Opening Night, Evolve, and Pure. Well done to Jason and the team. Cannot wait for next year!!
Here is an idea… How about actually promoting the local “hero” at these “social events”.. This years “hero” was Sir John Swan, and I dont think his name or his accomplishments were promoted at any of these “parties”.. Lets not forget the reason for the season.. It’s called National Heros Weekend, so it would be good to actually recognize the “National Hero”- peace
Be real no Bermudian realllllly cares about BHW for what it’s really about! The thought is there but there’s no emphasis on it sadly…
Congratulations to the organizers! Only comment is that based on the numbers mentioned, the visitor numbers actually more than tripled. Not quite sure why the press release would miss that fact. I can’t see why this won’t grow next year too. Great idea and well done.