BTA: Over 400 Travel Planners To Visit Bermuda

October 17, 2017

The Educational Travel Consortium [ETC] has chosen Bermuda for its 2018 conference following a successful pitch by the Bermuda Tourism Authority, which will mark the first time the influential group of travel planners has moved its event outside of the United States.

According to the BTA, more than 400 travel planners and tour operators are expected on the island between February 5th and 8th, 2018 for the 32nd Educational Travel Consortium Signature Conference.

While here in Bermuda, delegates will experience our culture and heritage first-hand to see how the island can be a good fit for future travel for their clients. ETC members represent higher education alumni groups, museums, zoos and conservation and cultural organisations.

Christi Tucker, Bermuda Tourism Authority

Christi Tucker Bermuda Oct 2017 (1)

Christi Tucker, business development manager for the Bermuda Tourism Authority, secured the ETC group with assistance from Fairmont Southampton – the event’s host hotel.

She said: “This conference is a double win. Not only is the Educational Travel Consortium coming to a destination outside the United States for the first time, it’s bringing very influential travel planners out here. These decision makers are in critical positions to bring more conferences and group travel to Bermuda in the future.”

The Educational Travel Consortium focuses on experiential travel, ensuring their clients take part in the history and culture of the places they visit. This month Ms Tucker hosted key officials from ETC on a site visit that included time at Carter House with Heritage Bermuda, a collection of historical and cultural organisations in Bermuda.

ETC Founder J Mara Dellipriscolli [r] on a site visit of Carter House in St. David’s with locals in period costume

Educational Travel Consortium Bermuda Oct 2017

“This extremely important conference will be a major catalyst for tourism in Bermuda,” said Rick Spurling, chairman of Heritage Bermuda.

“All heritage experience providers in Bermuda from the Gombeys to the museums are dedicated to Bermuda’s fascinating culture and history and can’t wait to tell it and show it – not only next February – but for many years to come.”

The BTA said, “The Educational Travel Consortium Signature Conference is expected to pump an estimated $830,000 into Bermuda’s economy in February alone, and fill at least 2,000 room nights for the island during the shoulder season.

“It’s part of the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s strategy to target meetings, conferences and sports groups in the shoulder season when the high volume can have the greatest positive impact on the island’s tourism economy.”

ETC has released an online brochure detailing the planned conference, you can read it here.

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Comments (9)

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  1. Athena says:

    The BTA is again proving it was a good decision by the OBA to set up this framework to handle our tourism product.

    Now let’s hope it gets to continue to proceed without any interference or meddling from PLP government ministers. We cannot afford it!

    • Jamell says:

      I have to say that you are right the BTA is an overwhelming success! Thanks OBA!

    • FACT says:

      Stop being a goat. This is the same stunt as the America’s Cup. He who pays the most receives.

      We paid the most $$$$$$$$$ out of any Country for the sail boat race. Now we paid the most for this as well!!!

      The Rugby Classic is next month, but since these International Companies put so much support $$$$$$$ in sail boat race some of them can’t even afford a tent now.

      • Athena says:

        Until we have the PWC report on the America’s Cup any supposition on cost is just that supposition.

        Wait and see, you may have to eat your words on AC35 and the Rugby Classic too!

  2. Ringmaster says:

    With BTA why do we need a “Minister of Tourism”? One less Ministerial salary and less needless interference by a political party (PLP or OBA).

    • Jamell says:

      Hey now don’t go there, we need a minister of tourism since we have a budget for travel if we do not spend that money on travel then we might as well just have another boat race and my wife doesn’t like boats.

    • Kevin Dallas says:

      There needs to be a minister responsible for tourism. The BTA cannot advance legislation or speak for itself in Parliament. We need a partner inside Government in order to get things done. Under the previous administration that responsibility was grouped with transport, and under the new government it’s grouped with economic development – which makes a lot of sense.

  3. ConcernedBermudian says:

    Amazing work Kevin Dallas and BTA team. You guys are killing it. Bringing in groups like this (400 travel planners and tour operators) is huge business for Bermuda, these travel planners will bring thousands of new tourists to the island. Keep up the great work.