The partnership highlights Bermuda through a series of cultural events, promotions and industry networking functions via numerous Boston Red Sox platforms, including digital ads, in-stadium signage, e-mail blasts, billboard mentions, and more.

Launched in 1984, NESN is owned by the Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins and delivered to over 4 million homes throughout the six-state New England region.

The trip also saw Minister Furbert, along with local singers Tricray Astwood and Steve Easton, sing the U.S National Anthem prior to the Red Sox game at Fenway Park in Boston.

Minister of Business Development and Tourism Wayne Furbert recently announced the new initiative at the BDOT’s Industry Night event. And the Minister acknowledged the idea behind the competition stemmed from the great success of the YouTube video featuring cliff jumping in Bermuda.

Minister Furbert explained, “Following the enormous success of the cliff jumping video and the BDOT’s Spring Break video which featured such fantastic images of Bermuda, we wanted to open the market to all residents, with no age limit, to capture the best of Bermuda on film. The idea is to show Bermuda and what we can offer a visitor from a resident’s perspective.”

He added, “We are looking for creative, energetic and fun videos. We are encouraging producers to think outside the box and show us some really innovative new concepts for promoting Bermuda to diverse audiences.”

Video content should target potential visitors to Bermuda and address the question, “Why should you visit Bermuda?”. The content must feature positive images and scenes, ultimately inspiring visitors to want to travel to the Island.

Additional criteria for production: All videos must be of HD quality, proof of ownership or copyright release for music is required in writing, videos should not exceed two-minutes; and submissions must not include any obscene content or language or nudity, and product marketing is prohibited.

The winning video will be posted on the BDOT’s website, YouTube channel and FaceBook page. First quarter deadline for submission is Monday, June 18, 2012. Entries must be emailed to Tina Evans Caines, Manager, On-island Communications, Bermuda Department of Tourism at emevans-caines@gov.bm.

According to the Crown Prosecutor, at 1:52pm on Wednesday 16th May, a Bermuda Customs K-9 search team had found the illegal drug in a cabin after the dog had alerted them.

The cabin, locked and empty at the time, was opened by ship’s staff and a Bermuda Custom’s search turned up the drugs. The search discovered a pouch containing rolled cigarettes as well as a clear plastic bag containing loose plant material.

Later that afternoon, Mr Cruz was identified to Police and Customs personnel. He admitted that the drugs were his, and he was escorted off the ship to Somerset Police Station.

In Court this morning, Mr Cruz told Senior Magistrate Archie Warner that: “I know I wasn’t supposed to have the drugs.” He explained that he was having several serious family issues and felt he needed to relax. He said: “It’s been tough.”

The Senior Magistrate fined him $800 and ordered that the fine be paid forthwith.

The trip, sponsored by the Bermuda Department of Tourism [BDOT], British Airways and the Bermuda Hotel Association spanned over four days last week and showcased all the top hotels on the Island, acquainting these agents with the product and helping them to sell the destination to their customers.

The agents, who represent 15 of the top tour operators and wholesale companies in the UK, are on the frontlines of the industry. Minister Furbert is seen in the photo below with the visiting UK Travel Agents.

During their visit, the travel representatives visited hotels including The Reefs, Tuckers Point, Fairmont Southampton, Fairmont Hamilton Princess and Elbow Beach and learned all there is to know about the facilities and location of the properties in Bermuda.

In between inspections of the properties and hospitality from the hotels, the agents had the opportunity to explore the Island, from the Royal Naval Dock Yard to the town of St Georges.

Minister Furbert is pictured below with Tourism Board Chair Maxwell Burgess, British Airways executives Keith Chuter and Marc James and Tourism Director Billy Griffith.

Of the visit, the Director of Tourism William Griffith said “We organized this trip with our partners at British Airways and Bermuda Hotel Association as part of a strategy to raise awareness and increase leisure travel business from the European market.

“We are delighted to welcome these top luxury travel agents to our island. The best way to sell a product is to see and experience it first hand, and this trip offers the opportunity to sample the best of what Bermuda has to offer.

“We hope that when the agents return to the UK they take with them a piece of the island and it ignites their enthusiasm to sell many holidays to our beautiful Island.”

The DPP Prosecutor told Senior Magistrate Archie Warner that around 1:25pm on Sunday 13th May, a Bermuda Customs canine in a ‘sniffer dog’ team had alerted to illegal drugs in cabin 8597 on board the ‘Norwegian Dawn’.

The cabin, unoccupied at the time, was entered and searched and white powder and wrapped plant material was found in a duffel bag and a case.

Later that day, on his return to the ship, Mr Gembarowski was approached by Customs and Police. Mr Gembarowski admitted that the items belonged to him. He was then taken off the ship to Somerset Police Station.

This morning, Gembarowski told Senior Magistrate Archie Warner that the drugs were: “For my personal use to party while I was on the cruise.” He also told the Magistrate: “The ship leaves tonight. I hope I can raise enough money to pay a fine and that I don’t have to miss the ship.”

Pointing out that he could always stay on in public accommodation and that he was fortunate that given the amount of drugs he had not been charged with importing with intent to supply, the Senior Magistrate fined Gembarowski $800 on the charge of possessing the cannabis and another $800 for possessing the Ecstasy powder. Both fines must be paid forthwith.

The planned construction of the St. Regis will be on the site of the Par-la-Ville parking lot.

According to Minister Furbert, this agreement signalled the successful conclusion of thorough and comprehensive negotiations by the parties involved. The Minister also noted that it  brings closer the reality of the construction of the new property, and with it the creation of some 600 jobs.

Commenting on the St. Regis signing, Minister Furbert pointed out that while the terms of the agreement “must remain confidential”, this latest development should be hailed as a “giant leap forward”.

Minister Furbert said, “This agreement is another indication of the continuing success of the Government and my Ministry’s efforts to drive new investment in the hospitality sector. As we continue to build our economic recovery, we are doubly pleased that the new hotel will open up the prospect of an estimated 600 new jobs in its construction and subsequent management.”

He continued, “We have long felt the new hotel, incorporating so many modern features that are vital to today’s business community, will usher in a new age of investment in Bermuda’s hospitality sector. It sends a strong message to the international investment community that Bermuda is serious about reaching out to create global partnerships and that we are, in all areas, absolutely open for business.

“I congratulate all those involved in bringing the St. Regis hotel to Bermuda and I am so very pleased to have been able to extend my support and encouragement throughout the long process of negotiations that have led to this agreement being signed.”

The Minister concluded, “Let me be clear, our efforts as a Government are firmly linked in our understanding that all in our community must be the benefactors of the revitalization of our economy. We will not mark full economic recovery until every Bermudian, from our ambitious and hopeful young people to our seasoned industry professionals have realised full employment opportunities.”

The “Bermuda Day” event was spearheaded by the Bermuda Department of Tourism, and also saw the first pitch of the game thrown by Shawn Caisey of the participating Gombey group.

The partnership highlights Bermuda through a series of cultural events, promotions and industry networking functions via numerous Boston Red Sox platforms, including digital ads, in-stadium signage, e-mail blasts, billboard mentions, and more.

Throughout tomorrow, tourism representatives will spearhead a marketing campaign targeted toward commuters surrounding the Park area. The campaign will feature Gombey dance performances, as well as BDOT ambassadors providing material to consumers with information on travel from Boston to Bermuda.

Following the day’s events, Minister Furbert, along with local singers Tricray Astwood and Steve Easton will gather at Fenway Park to perform the US National Anthem prior to the Red Sox game. And keeping with the Bermudian theme of the evening, the first pitch of the game will be thrown by Shawn Caisey of the participating Gombey group.

Minister Furbert said, “All five cities we’ll visit during the road show are essential markets for Bermuda, particularly in the upcoming summer months during the island’s high season. We very much look forward to networking with travel agents and consumers, while elevating awareness of Bermuda’s exquisite travel product, summer deals, and close proximity to each target market.”

“Bermuda Day” will also include an exclusive media luncheon at the Boston College Club, and a travel agent dinner at Boston’s award-winning Top of the Hub restaurant atop the famed Prudential Tower. Minister Furbert is also scheduled to talk up Bermuda this morning on WZLX FM’s Karlson and McKenzie show – one of Boston’s most listened to radio shows.

Following their stop in Boston, the BDOT representatives will attend similar events in Old Greenwich, CT, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, DC from May 15-16.

Led by Cheryl Packwood, CEO of Business Bermuda and joined by Wayne Furbert, Minister of Business Development and Tourism, Travis Gilbert, Director of Business Development for the Ministry of Business Development & Tourism, Christopher Buchan, Managing Director of Emerging Asset Management, and Anthony D’Silva, Managing Director of Apex Fund Services.

The delegation has conducted a series of meetings with Chinese government officials and business leaders including:

• The Chamber of International Commerce, Shanghai
• Standard Chartered Bank
• Shanghai Foreign Investment Development Board
• The Shanghai Stock Exchange
• The Chinese Ministry of Finance and Commerce

In addition, the delegation hosted a reception in Shanghai, which was attended by more than 60 Chinese business executives and government officials.

Ms. Packwood and Minister Furbert also participated in the Chinese Enterprises Outbound Investment Conference in Beijing, which is an annual conference organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.

CCPIT invited Bermuda to be a part of this  conference through contacts made during Business Bermuda’s marketing tour in Hong Kong last year.

This year, the conference was attended by more than 1,200 delegates representing Chinese business interests, investors, and government entities with a focus on identifying international investment opportunities for China around the globe.

Business Bermuda was given an exclusive opportunity to participate in a panel discussion entitled, Invest in the Caribbean and Latin America, and presented several significant development projects in Bermuda in the Overseas Investment Project and Business Matching Seminar during the conference.

Business Bermuda also signed a memorandum of understanding with CCPIT, signed by Ms. Packwood and Mr. JIA Huai, Deputy Director of Economic Information Department of CCPIT at the CEOIC Conference with the main purpose of expanding Bermuda’s trade relationship with China through exchanging information, participation in hosting and attending events, and facilitating official delegation visits to each country.

The CEOIC Conference also provided the opportunity for the delegation to meet with:

•  Mr. WAN Jifei, Chairman of CCPIT
•  Mr. SU Shulin, Governor of Fujian province known for its great number of wealthy people and successful burgeoning private sector.
• Ms. DONG Jiayang, Director General of Economic Information Department of CCPIT

In both Shanghai and Beijing, Business Bermuda held press briefings for Chinese journalists to provide information about Bermuda and its international business community. This has resulted in media coverage in Chinese language media outlets and, so far, 23 syndicated news outlets that have reached at least an approximately 50 million people, Business Bermuda said.

Commenting on the China meeting schedule and events in Shanghai and Beijing, Ms. Packwood said: “This has been an incredible opportunity to develop relationships and build our understanding of China and the Chinese understanding of Bermuda.

“The Chinese market is very impressive and the business development opportunities are immense, but it will take time to generate meaningful, mutually beneficial business relationships.

“The Chinese are a very humble people, and we learned much about the right way to develop international business including the most important lesson — that the Chinese want to be our friends first and that business must come second.”

She added, “We are very pleased to have been able to further develop our ties with CCPIT. Over a year ago, we met with CCPIT in Hong Kong and through our continued dialogue over the past year, we were able to develop an understanding and secure an exclusive opportunity to participate in the CEOIC Conference in Beijing.

“We are hopeful that we extend that same courtesy and have invited representatives of CCPIT to join us in Bermuda and to further our business ties. We appreciate the support of Minister Furbert and the Ministry of Business Development and Tourism. This trip was possible in part because of the financial support of Bermuda’s Government.”

The participants represented the various clubs in the North American region of SKAL – the North American Association of SKAL Clubs [NAASC]. SKAL is a professional organization of travel and tourism leaders from around the world. It is the only organization that comprises people from all aspects of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Each club is made up of industry managers and executives who meet to promote travel and friendship amongst its members.

Nearly 200 visitors were here for the congress and they were joined at various functions by a number of the local SKAL International Bermuda members and guests. The participants were treated to various aspects of Bermuda’s pomp and ceremony, including a fanfare by the Bermuda Regiment trumpeters, a performance by the Town Crier David Frith, a Gombey troupe, the vocal duo Prestige, and a piano/vocal appearance by Samone Tucker.

“This marks the first time Bermuda has hosted a NAASC Congress”, said SKAL International Bermuda President Leslie Veney, “and our congress committee had been working on the event for some three years”. She added that “their efforts proved to be successful, and the overseas participants were all impressed and would like to visit Bermuda again”.

At the official opening ceremony – attended by, amongst others, His Excellency the Governor Sir Richard Gozney, SKAL International President Enrique Quesada, and SKAL International Vice President Mok Singh – the flags of the NAASC countries were presented. Each flag was carried by a veteran hotel/travel/tourism person who “passed the flag” to a relative young person in those same fields.

Next year’s event will take place in Sacramento, California, and in 2014 the congress will be hosted by Halifax, Nova Scotia.

At the invite of the Bermuda Department of Tourism [BDOT], Mr. G recently spent a relaxing vacation in Bermuda at the Rosewood Tuckers Point, meeting up with Tourism Minister Wayne Furbert and BDOT Director William Griffith while he was here.

Mr Griffith, Shirley Wong, Minister Furbert, Mr. G’s daughter Jaida, Mr. G, and his wife Sang.:

The Minister of Business Development and Tourism Wayne Furbert and BDOT Director William Griffith met up with the New Yorker and his family while they were here and had the opportunity to dine with them at Lido Restaurant at Elbow Beach.

Minister Furbert said, “We were delighted to have Mr. G and his family vacation in Bermuda as he has been a terrific supporter of Bermuda over the years.

“The weather was fantastic during his stay, and when we met I took the opportunity to thank him for his support of the Island and encouraged him to continue to deliver his positive Bermuda message to his audience.”

The current policy for visitors to our shores is to permit an initial stay of 21 days. For longer stays, application must be made to the Department of Immigration.

Minister Perinchief said, “This provision for initial longer stays will compliment efforts to promote Bermuda to European guests who traditionally spend more time in their destinations of choice.

“Additionally, this extended stay will support the fractional housing product and efforts by hospitality providers to promote Bermuda as a genuine second-home to those who can afford to make it such.”

The Minister’s full statement follows below:

Mr. Speaker, Honourable members will be aware that the current policy for visitors to our shores is to permit an initial stay of 21 days. For longer stays, application must be made to the Department of Immigration.

Mr. Speaker, true joined-up Government requires that each Ministry do its part to facilitate key economic goals of the country as a whole.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise Honourable Members that with effect from 1st May 2012 the initial visitor stay will be extended to 90 days.

Mr. Speaker, this provision for initial longer stays will compliment efforts to promote Bermuda to European guests who traditionally spend more time in their destinations of choice.

Additionally, this extended stay will support the fractional housing product and efforts by hospitality providers to promote Bermuda as a genuine second-home to those who can afford to make it such.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will recall that we have already provided the 90 day stay to visiting yachtsmen and their crews and this extension to land-based visitors is a logical one.

Mr. Speaker, in addition to the change in the length of the initial visitor stay, I am pleased to advise Honourable Members of a further change in support of the efforts of my colleague, the Honourable Member, the Minister of Business Development and Tourism’s efforts to strengthen links with the BRIC countries.

Mr. Speaker, also with effect from 1st May 2012, a waiver of the requirement for a Bermuda Entry Visa will be implemented for visitors from Brasil, Russia, India and China. Mr. Speaker, this will operate on the same basis as extended to other countries. The traveler in possession of a visa for entry or transit to the US, UK or Canada will be afforded this privilege.

Mr. Speaker, with the implementation of this policy, visitors from the BRIC countries will more readily consider Bermuda as a travel destination and a business-friendly jurisdiction.

The elimination of the process requiring a Bermuda Entry Visa from the British Embassy in the visitor’s home country will make Bermuda more attractive and sets us apart from competitors who may still require such an entry visa prior to arrival.

Mr. Speaker, this Government continues to be responsive to the needs of visitors both for leisure and for business. We continue to preserve our competitive edge recognizing that in this global economy, every effort must be made to maintain and promote those conditions to spur growth and demonstrate flexibility in our approach to regulation.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

LaVar Arrington, former linebacker for the Washington Redskins and host of “The LaVar Arrington show with Chad Dukes” will broadcast live today from the island and again on Tuesday, April 10 from 3.00 p.m. – 7.00 p.m. Arrington’s show airs on 106.7 The Fan in Washington, DC.

Also while on Island, Arrington will tee off for a good cause during the Ross Blackie Talbot Celebrity Pro-Am, which kicked off today, April 10, at Rosewood Tucker’s Point.

Additionally, host John-Paul Flaim will broadcast his morning show “The Junkies” live from the island each morning from 7.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m., April 9-11. “The Junkies” airs on WJFK’s 106.7 FM in DC and WHFS’s 105.7 FM in Baltimore.

Today the Minister of Business Development and Tourism Wayne Furbert said, “Our ongoing partnership with CBS Radio enables us to showcase our Island to top talent throughout our most important markets Our goal is to have these influential voices deliver our message to their devoted listeners, encouraging them to plan to their own trip to Bermuda.”

Celebrity Cruises’ “Summit” [pictured] leaves from Cape Liberty in Bayonne at 5 p.m. Sunday, July 29 bound for King’s Wharf, Bermuda, for four days at sea and three in port, returning to Cape Liberty Sunday, August 5 at 7 a.m.

Guests — alumni, their families, friends and aficionados of higher education for credit or just personal fulfillment  –will enjoy Celebrity’s recreation and entertainment options.

They also will experience such special Rutgers-only features as a variety of enriching and engaging workshops and seminars taught by the university’s renowned faculty, a welcome cocktail party and final celebration, and complementary refreshments and souvenirs. Optional land excursions in Bermuda are available.

Tentatively scheduled traveling faculty and their specialties or seminars include:

• Shaheen Ayubi, who teaches a broad range of courses in international and comparative politics at Rutgers-Camden ranging from international terrorism to politics in the Middle East, South Asia and Southeast Asia. Her potential topics include “Women and Politics in Islam” and “The Exploding Global Population.”
• Martin Eidelberg, professor emeritus of art history, who taught undergraduates and graduate students at Rutgers in New Brunswick for 38 years. An expert on modern decorative arts, his potential topic is “Louis C. Tiffany, Magician of Glass.”
• David Finegold, senior vice president for lifelong learning and strategic growth, and former dean of the School of Management and Labor Relations in New Brunswick. He is a leading expert on skill development systems and their relationship to economic performance. His current work is focused on the evolving skill development systems in India and China. His topics may include “Ethics and the Bioscience Revolution” and “Disrupting Higher Education: Strategic Options for Rutgers’ Future.”
• Seth Gopin, who during his 30-year career at Rutgers served as a gifted art history lecturer, dean of academic affairs and director of global studies. His most recent book, Skyscrapers of New York, reflects his passion for the intersection of art, history and culture, and is a proposed topic, along with “Egyptian Art and Egyptomania: Art of the Pharoahs to Tut Mania” and “Tom Paine – The English Roots of an American Patriot.”
• Brent Monahan, who earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Rutgers, his Doctor of Musical Arts from Indiana University and also served as Tenor in Residence at Rutgers from 1979 to 1981. Among his creative achievements, he has written for soap operas; sung in and directed operas, oratorios and musicals; and written screenplays. His potential seminars include “I’m Gonna Write the Great American Novel” and “What Makes a Good Film?”
• Peggy Policastro is a registered dietician, director of the Rutgers University Healthy Dining Team program for more than a decade and a faculty member in the Department of Nutritional Sciences. She will give her fellow cruisers food for thought with such topics as “Nutrition Powerhouses for Wellness and Longevity” and “My Personality is Making Me Tired … and Other Excuses Why I Can’t Exercise.”
• Lisa Zeidner, director of the Master of Fine Arts program in Creative Writing at Rutgers-Camden, who is the author of four novels, two screenplays and two books of poems, one of which, Pocket Sundial, won the Brittingham Prize in Poetry. Her seminars may include “Writing Memoir” and “From Page to Screen.”

Susan Fogwell – whose travel articles have been published in “The Los Angeles Times”, “Orlando Sentinel” and USAToday.com — said the East End of Bermuda is a ” place I plan to return to again and again.”

Illustrated with a gallery of 12 slides of St. George’s, Ms Fogwell’s report recommended visitors with only a day for sightseeing in Bermuda should spend their time in the East End.

“All you need is a little hunger for history and this UNESCO World Heritage Site/ will enlighten and entertain with its slew of sites,” she said. “It was in the year 1609, when Sir George Somers struck a reef off the eastern end of the island.

“All 150 people aboard his ship and made it to shore in skiffs. The productive captain, crew and colonists stayed for 10 months and built two ships, the ‘Deliverance’ and the ‘Patience’, a church and a few houses.

“They salvaged the rigging from the ‘Sea Venture’ and set sail again. Somers returned to Bermuda on ‘Patience’ to supply the island settlers who were on the verge of  starvation but died soon after arriving in 1610.

“It was with this history in mind that I jumped on the back of my husband’s red rental scooter and ventured off to the oldest continuously inhabited town of English origin in the Western hemisphere.

“The hard history of the area seemed in bright contrast with its pleasant present. The ride was scenic, sketched in pastel.”

A recent tourism promotion designed to lure British vacationers to France this summer hit a major snag when a scene of a family jogging along an idyllic, boulder-fringed beach turned out to be taken thousands of miles away — in Cape Town, South Africa.

The poster in question, “Sprint finish on the Northern France Coast”, actually showed a beach in Llandudno, a suburb of Cape Town. London fashion photographer Bradford Bird, who grew up there, recognised the familiar outcrops and told the “Mail Online” newspaper: “I thought “that’s a little bit cheeky” and put a picture of the billboard up on my Facebook page.”

French tourism officials have replaced the offending images on their website, and the British advertising agency in charge of the campaign has taken responsibility for the incident, saying the coastal scenes were selected from among 3,000 stock photographs of French beaches.

In 2003, Bermuda found itself on a similarly sticky wicket when magazine ads showcasing the island included photos taken in Hawaii and Florida.

“USA Today” reminds readers today [Apr.2] that Bermuda tourism officials stood by their advertising agency’s decision to use stock photos from other vacation destinations to promote the island.

“It’s clearly not a Bermuda beach,” Bermuda photographer Graeme Outerbridge complained to the “Honolulu Advertiser” at the time. “It’s pretty outrageous for us to be using elements of other tourist destinations in our advertising campaign.”

Renee Webb, Bermuda’s Minister of Tourism, argued there was nothing wrong with using stock photos.

“What is important about the stock photography is that it does not misrepresent Bermuda,” she told ABC News.

She told the US network’s John Stossel stock photos were cheaper, because it would cost thousands of dollars to hire a photographer and model to get that shot in Bermuda.

Minister Furbert said, “We have put the hotel developers together with the Mayor and Corporation of Hamilton and have urged them to find common ground for the good of Bermuda. And I am encouraged by the latest meetings which have seen significant results.”

The new St. Regis Hotel, said to incorporate many modern features for today’s international business traveller, has been subject of lengthy discussions over several months between the developers and the Corporation of Hamilton who hold the lease of the proposed site. Minister Furbert said he has been working with the two parties over several weeks regarding the lease.

He said, “We are, today, closer to reconciling these issues. Moreover as Minister, I can confirm that I have seen the commitment letter from the firm who are prepared to finance the project and I am convinced that with a high level of goodwill on both sides, we can now move the project ahead. Time, however, is of the essence.

“The agreement has fixed timelines for its development, and the respective parties are fully aware of their mutual obligations, which are enveloped in the executed leases, and agreed herein.”

Minister Furbert added that he was working with all parties involved in financing and constructing the hotel to ensure that everything possible is done to adhere to the fixed timeline and schedule.

He said, “The St. Regis project is so very important to Bermuda. It will create many jobs which will stimulate our economy and will demonstrate, in the most practical way, Bermuda’s ability to attract top hotel management groups, like Starwood, to the Island and give confidence to future investors.”

Minister Furbert said he expects to provide a fuller update to the public in the coming weeks, when all the respective parties including the developers can provide more details of the proposed luxury development.

“The announcement by the Minister of Tourism that government is prepared to scrap the Tourism Board and introduce a statutory body appointed by the Minister with authority appears a step in the right direction,” said Mr Swan.

“Unfortunately, given the failure by the PLP government in Tourism and its contribution to the policies which helped to get Bermuda into this deep economic abyss, this announcement does little to get government out of its own way.

“We are duty bound to question this move – which fails to go far enough to create an independent body – and can be viewed as a half step to pacify a political need to show change instead of the bold step required to truly empower industry stakeholders.

“We in the United Bermuda Party have since 1998 advocated that the tourism model required serious reform and we have consistently recommended that an independent industry driven Tourism Authority, where private sector stakeholders and not government, direct the path for the rejuvenation of the tourism industry.

“This announcement appears a half-baked solution for Tourism, an industry that once was the primary bread winner for our country’s economy, which now contributes less than 10% to our GDP.

“The United Bermuda Party’s version of a Tourism Authority encompasses some of what the Minister is espousing but our vision would go further and empower a Statutory Board or Authority by giving them the mandate to determine more of the composition of their body, greater involvement from other key industry stakeholders, input on staffing and discretion over the marketing budget.

“Our aim would be to infuse tourism with the mindset of private industry, as the catalyst to lead us out of this economic hole, where we put our focus on hotel bound air arrivals whilst ensuring our on-island product and services are relevant and of the highest quality.

“We note the Minister’s choice of words that the legislation will be introduced in the next session rather than stating that we would see it in the forthcoming sittings of Parliament when we return from the Easter break. This could be interpreted to mean that we will not see this legislation before imminent general election.

“Notwithstanding, as this matter must come before Parliament, it is our hope that the Minister and his government colleagues remain open minded to our (UBP) recommendations and the need for amendments, based on the content in the Minister’s press announcement, to find the best model that can serve the introduction of a Tourism body with real authority,” said Mr Swan.

Minister Furbert advised that the new Board will have its own Act and the Legislation will be tabled in Parliament in the next session.

Pictured below from L to R: Isabelle Ramsey, George Terpilowski, Daniel Reece, Edward Shapard, Selena Lambert, Minister Furbert, Maxwell Burgess, Joanne McPhee, Chris Furbert, John Jefferis and John Harvey.

Members absent include Randy Horton, Vincent Ingham, Michelle Cox, Kevin Bean, Muriel Richardson, Michael Winfield and David Dodwell.

“In order to fulfill the mission, we have to make one more major change, and that is to appoint a Board that has Statutory Powers to carry out its duty without fair or favor,” said Minister Furbert.

“The Board currently is an advisory Board to the Minister. By giving the Board Statutory Powers it gives the ability to make decision with limited Ministerial input.

“The current Tourism Board made the recommendation that the role of the Board should be more than an advisory; this was one of the hot button points. This recommendation was accepted and action has been taken.”

“This Board will be set to work immediately,” Minister Furbert continued. “Their total responsibility will become clearer once the legislation is laid before Parliament, but in the meantime they will be charged with the responsibility of the Sales, Marketing and Promotion of Bermuda as a Tourism Destination.”

“They will in addition be responsible for the implementation of the 5 -10 year National Tourism Plan. I have no doubt, with the experience that is on the Board, and the desire to see a change in the growth of the Tourism Industry in Bermuda, we are about to see the dawning of a new age!”

The Minister’s full statement follows below:

-

Update 5.39pm: Shawn Crockwell, Shadow Minister for Tourism, said, “The One Bermuda Alliance welcomes any action to improve the performance of Bermuda’s tourism industry.

“The drift and inaction that has characterized this Government’s ‘involvement’ in the tourism industry has been tantamount to a dereliction of duty. They have been in the driver’s seat for more than 13 years and the state of Bermuda tourism today says they have failed this all-important job-creating arm of the economy.

“The formation of a new Tourism Board appears to be a step in the right direction. But until its statutory powers are made clear – that is, what powers it will have to actually direct the activities of Bermuda tourism – we cannot comment in any conclusive way.

“We support the inclusion of members of the Bermuda Hotel Association who will be on the board to represent the views of the hotel industry. It will help close a unnecessary gap between government and the industry that over the years tragically weakened the marketing of the Bermuda tourism product abroad.

“But we must stress that the new Board, with new but not-yet clear authority, does not go far enough.

“The One Bermuda Alliance remains firm in its belief that a Tourism Authority is the best way to rebuild Bermuda tourism and grow visitor numbers to create more jobs for our people, both within the industry and in the many businesses that serve its customers.

“Mr. Furbert tries hard to disparage our call for a Tourism Authority. We only note that he once unreservedly supported the formation of one, not just in his specific call for one as Leader of the United Bermuda Party but also when he was a UBP Government minister. He can twist that history all he wants today, but the history is the history.

“For the record, our call for a Tourism Authority was echoed by the very Tourism Board Mr. Furbert disbanded earlier today. His Cabinet colleagues clearly do not support the formation of one so this is a major point of distinction between the OBA and the PLP.

“The fundamental reason we want an Authority is to put in place professional leadership of this once-great industry – top flight executives who can be held accountable (ultimately by the Government) for driving up visitor numbers.

“While the new board includes five representatives from the BHA, nine others are appointed directly by the Minister, meaning its work will still be tied to political oversight that has so completely failed the business needs of Bermuda Tourism and all the job opportunities that that entails.

The PLP like to say an Authority will lead to job losses in the civil service. But this is absolutely not true. We will still need a Tourism Ministry to regulate the industry – cruise ship and hotel licensing, property inspections, etc. And you can have executives working within the system, just like the current government has with their Director of Global Operations.”

According to Minister Furbert, Fuseideas “impressed the search committee with an in-depth marketing solution to drive tourism that included a mix of segmentation, media, technology, creative and social marketing, all seamlessly brought together.”

Photo above shows L to R: Steve Mason Managing Director of Fuseideas, Dennis Franczak, Founder CEO of Fuseideas, Tourism Minister Wayne Furbert and Monroe Blakes Executive Vice President Fuseideas.

In highlighting the process of how Fuseideas was chosen, Minister Furbert advised that that the BDOT issued an open Request For Proposal [RFP] November 2011, seeking suitable companies to submit bids for the account, and in response, 29 companies answered the RFP.

The company was selected by a ten member panel that included members from the Tourism Board, the Bermuda Hotel Association [BHA], and BDOT technical officers. The contract term will be for one year in the first instance, and the company will be subject to a formal performance review at that time.

The marketing solution, along with Fuseideas’ overall experience in tourism marketing [including Maine Office of Tourism, Collette Vacations, Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, and Visit Florida] made the agency stand out.

Minister Furbert said, “We are very excited for Fuseideas to bring their energy, creativity and experience to Bermuda. They will work closely with our Tourism team to develop an eye-catching campaign that will differentiate Bermuda and put us top of mind with our target audience.”

According to Dennis Franczak, Founder CEO of Fuseideas, campaign elements for the BDOT will include “breakthrough creative across all channels, advanced mobile and web technology, in-depth analytics and campaign optimization and social marketing integration.” Work is expected to break in May.

“Our creativity infused with technology is ready to attract more visitors to the pink sand beaches of Bermuda, and we look forward to engaging the entire island when launching this authentic Bermudian campaign,” Mr. Franczak said.

Fuseideas is a 50-person international agency with its main headquarters in Boston, with offices in Prague, Portland, Maine and Los Angeles. Their areas of expertise include tourism, economic development, higher education, retail and lifestyle, multicultural, youth and sports and entertainment marketing.

Current clients include Adidas, Bermuda Department of Tourism, ESPN, Massachusetts State Lottery, HBO Latin America and Univision, Verizon Wireless and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Brought to the island by The Whitfield Group Ltd, sole licence holder for the Games in the Atlantic Region and with support from the Bermuda Department of Tourism, the Bermuda Corporate Games, October 25–28, 2012 will be the first event of its kind to take place within the Atlantic Region, which comprises of East Coast of the United States and Canada, Caribbean and Bermuda.

Nestled between the PGA Grand Slam and the 25th Anniversary of the Bermuda Rugby Classic, the Games estimate between 2,000 – 3,000 local and international athletes who will compete in a mixture of sports for team-building, fun and fitness, whilst scoring points and winning medals along the way.

The Games are open to anyone and everyone, with no barriers to participation. Teams of every size and kind are welcome to take part in the sporting celebration, with no restriction on age or ability.

The confirmed 18 sports are as follows:

• Badminton
• Basketball 3s
• Beach Volleyball 4s
• 6-a-side Football
• Golf
• Field Hockey
• Ball Hockey
• Netball
• Running
• Rugby 7s
• Touch Rugby
• Sailing
• Softball
• Squash
• Long Distance Swimming
• Tennis
• TenPin Bowling
• Triathlon

Additional sports taking place across the weekend wik include beach tennis, beach lacrosse and futsal.

To assist in the planning and promotion of the Games, Suzie Pewter, president of The Whitfield Group Ltd., has  welcomed a few additions to the Bermuda Corporate Games team.

Gemma Godfrey, COO from Corporate Games World Headquarters has been contracted to develop the platform for the inaugural Games going forward. Ms Godfrey has over 25 Games under her belt and 4 years of experience staging Games in many worldwide locations, including, Russia, Romania, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.

In addition, Kaitlyn Cowan, cCreative director of Kulprit Inc., has been contracted to develop branding and marketing for the event, along with Craig Brown, director of Apex Physiotherapy as the Games dedicated Sports Director. With expertise from his involvement with Bermuda’s national sports programs, cricket, football, golf and swimming, Mr.  Brown is the perfect fit for an event of this kind, confirming the Games as an “unmissable event on the Bermudian calendar.”

A welcoming message from Corporate Games founder Dr. Maureen Johnston

“The team building benefits just cannot be underestimated. From my experience working with Bermuda’s national sporting teams, it is tough to replicate the camaraderie and team spirit that you experience in team sport when you move into an office environment. However, I am a firm believer that these Games are the perfect vehicle to promote these values. The Games will give local and overseas companies the chance to enhance team-building and most importantly to have fun doing it!”

Mr. Brown continued: “The programme has been selected very carefully to offer a wide selection of opportunities to those living on the island, as well as those who may travel from the East Coast, neighbouring islands and further afield. Every sport encourages both male and female participation – and many of our sports encourage participation in Open, 30+, 40+ and 50+ categories.”

The Games will be proudly hosted at a selection of the best venues that the island has to offer, where it hopes to welcome thousands of competitors as they enter the largest event of its kind in the Atlantic region.

“We are working with the Bermuda Department of Tourism and the Ministry of Youth, Families and Sport, to ensure that our events are located in as centralised an area as possible.” Brown continues, “This creates a great atmosphere and makes it easy for athletes to get to their sports and also to support their teammates.”

The Bermuda Corporate Games is expected to attract teams from multi-national corporations both island-based and overseas, along with small to medium-sized companies, schools, colleges, clubs, associations and the local community.

The Games will also showcase a number of social events across the sporting weekend, with a Grand Parade of Athletes and Street Fest down Front Street in Hamilton and a beach barbecue, to feature our island shores – a truly Bermudian welcome.

The Games are expected to generate over $2.5 million for the local economy and is a chance to showcase the island and its outstanding facilities as a great place to play sport, socialise and to do business. It has also received strong support from Bermuda’s civic patrons and sporting veterans, promoting economic investment and business opportunities onto the Island.

Gemma Godfrey, COO for the Games, is delighted with the response so far: “It has been a pleasure to assist with the launch of these inaugural Games. There was some initial surprise back at World Headquarters in the UK when we heard the first Atlantic Corporate Games were to be hosted in Bermuda. I think it was everyone’s assumption that the Games would go to a larger city like New York!

“We have approached all the sports federations for their support, whom have been excellent and enthusiastic ambassadors for their respective sports – the preference being to recruit locally to make this a true celebration of Bermudian sport.

“The welcome we have received has been terrific and we are confident that participants will return to their offices with weary limbs, big smiles and great memories, not to mention some new friends along the way!”

For more information please visit the Bermuda Corporate Games’ website.

Sørlandet was built in 1927 at Høivolds Mek, and set sail on her maiden voyage to Oslo in 1927. Originally built without an engine, the engine and propeller were installed in 1958. Like Bermuda’s “Spirit of Bermuda” the Sørlandet is a training ship, but one that goes on months long voyages with its crew of students.

On this voyage, S/S Sørlandet set sail from Kristiansand and sailed to Bermuda via Stornoway,Scotlant; Belfast, Northern  Ireland;Falmouth, UK; Brest, France; Porto, Portugal; Cadiz, Barcelona, and Majorca, Spain; Agadir, Morocco’ Las Palmas, Canary Islands; Dakar, Senegal; Fernando and Belem, Brazil; St George’s,Grenada; Bequia, Grenadines; Dominica and Dominican Republic. From Bermuda, S/S Sorlandet will sail to the Azores and then Malta.

Sørlandet sails under the aegis of West Island College International and is a school afloat with male and female students who learn seamanship as well as studying a range of academic subjects. This school afloat caters to 11th and 12th grade and first year university students.

Studies are authorized by the Nova Scotia Ministry of Education and are sanctioned by the Quebec Ministry of Education and Acadia University. The classes cater to students from all round the world.

According to their website, during their stay in Bermuda the students will learn how to make Bermuda Kites, as well as go on a nature walk through Tom Moore’s jungle while learning about eco-psychology.

Washington DC-based Media Matters mistakenly claimed the company was running promotional spots on Mr. Limbaugh’s show in the wake of his misogynistic attacks on law student Sandra Fluke following her testimony before the US Congress on birth control.

“In yesterday’s list of Rush Limbaugh advertisers, we inadvertently included Bermuda.com [MediaHouse] as an advertiser during hour two, commercial break four,” said a Media Matters spokesman. ”The correct advertiser is GoToBermuda.com, which is owned and operated by the Bermuda state tourism board.

“Bermuda.com is not and has not ever been an advertiser on Rush Limbaugh’s programme. Media Matters regrets the error.”

And yesterday Department of Tourism officials ordered the island’s US media agency to immediately pull all Bermuda advertising from Mr. Limbaugh’s programme.

The Bermuda Department of Tourism [BDOT] also issued a public statement at its Facebook page last night [Mar.13] conerning its advertising on Mr. Limbaugh’s show: “To clarify, as part of an overall advertising effort, the Bermuda Department of Tourism did place digital streaming network ads online and one of those stations within that network buy does indeed carry the Rush Limbaugh show, amongst others. We have instructed our media partners to discontinue all our advertisements to avoid them inadvertently running on the show.

“Thank you again for your support and we hope you continue to enjoy the beauty of Bermuda on Facebook and our other social spaces!”

At least 51 advertisers have reportedly dropped their ads from Rush Limbaugh’s radio show in the wake of his February 29 comments on Georgetown University law student Sandra Fluke, who had testified before the House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee in support of mandated health coverage for contraceptives.

On his radio show, Mr. Limbaugh called Ms Fluke a “slut” and a “prostitute” while questioning whether her parents were proud of her for supporting the government’s ruling that religiously affiliated institutions should provide health insurance plans that include contraception.

Rush Limbaugh ‘Slut’ Attack On Georgetown Student Sandra Fluke

He repeated his claims the following day and further suggested that Ms Fluke, “and the rest of you feminazis,” make a sex tape in exchange for contraceptive funding, along with offering to buy the women of Georgetown University “as much aspirin to put between their knees as they want.”

The comments caused a continuing controversy for Mr. Limbaugh forming a public backlash, organised by social media, that pressured companies to stop advertising on his show.

On March 3, Mr. Limbaugh apologized, saying, “I chose the wrong words in my analogy … I did not mean a personal attack on Ms. Fluke”, in response to criticism from across the political spectrum including US President Barack Obama.

On March 5, Mr. Limbaugh responded to the reaction he’d received stating: “I acted too much like the leftists who despise me. I descended to their level, using names and exaggerations. It’s what we’ve come to expect from them, but it’s way beneath me.”

By March 6, ten of Limbaugh’s radio sponsors, including AOL, The Sleep Train [which had been with him for 25 years] and Citrix had withdrawn their commercials, and two radio stations declined to continue broadcasting the show.

“We are about to undertake what I believe is an unprecedented opportunity. Never before has the Department of Tourism engaged in a venture where Bermuda will receive the exposure I am about to share,” said Minister Furbert.

“Ladies and gentlemen, our Ministry is currently looking to partner with Bermuda Broadcasting to receive international exposure through CBS Network by depicting the Bermuda weather conditions daily during the CBS Early Show.

“CBS Network will display the name of Bermuda at the top of the National Weather map during the weather segments between 7a.m. and 9 a.m. Eastern time. The graphic will also display the temperature.

“The Bermuda weather graphic will be carried on the National Network transmission which is carried by affiliates across the United States and via satellite around the world.

“Bermuda’s weather stats will scroll across the screen each morning alternating during the three weather segments. The feed with graphics including the Bermuda weather will be carried in key Bermuda markets including New York and Boston.

“CBS will receive a live shot from specified locations in Bermuda. The live shots will be aired during segment breaks. CBS presenters and crew will travel to Bermuda to conduct a segment for the Early Show.

“This segment will be carried across the United States with all affiliates in all markets and will be seen via satellite around the world. The Bermuda Broadcasting company will work with CBS to give CBS viewers a chance to win a trip to Bermuda. The terms of the contest will be shown during the live show and leveraged over the internet.

“Ladies and gentlemen, over the last few weeks I have been saying that Bermuda will increase its exposure and awareness through the broadcast medium or television. Well with this initiative Bermuda will get unprecedented exposure! Exposure on a daily basis!”

Minister Furbert was joined by Rick Richardson, the CEO of Bermuda Broadcasting Company, at the press conference.

Describing Bermuda as a “fascinating Atlantic outpost” which “combines colonial history with great beaches” [he is pictured dodging waves on the South Shore here], Mr. Calder said Bermuda was “a land of happy surprises” and “the venue for a perfect holiday.”

“Spring in Bermuda equals summer in Britain, and finds the UK’s overseas territory in the North Atlantic at its best: the two driest months are April and May,” he said in his well-read column. “Even in the height of summer, though, Bermuda has a benign climate – it is 1,000 miles north of the Caribbean.”

Criss-crossing Bermuda during his two-day stay here last month, Mr. Calder visited attractions ranging from the Dockyard at the westernmost tip of Bermuda to St. George’s in the East End — and was particularly enthused about bicycling the Railroad Trail.

“Work up an appetite on the splendid ride along the Railway Trail to St. Georges,” he said. “Bermuda’s only train line was a financial disaster, but has been reinvented as a walking and cycling path. Its north-east terminus is St George’s, which became Bermuda’s capital 400 years ago and is now UNESCO-protected.”

When he visited the island last month, the Bermuda Department of Tourism said: “Essentially, Mr. Calder will uncover all there is to know about Bermuda and return to the UK to share why this Island is considered such a hidden gem in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Mr. Calder, who has visited the Island before, said, “I am thrilled to be back in Bermuda. There’s nowhere quite like it on earth from the traveller’s perspective in terms of the way that everything you want is easy to access, whether you want golf, fishing or if you want to amble around the fine City of Hamilton and meet the people.

“I am really enthused about bringing to the British viewers the concept that it is possible to build in a 48-hour stop in Bermuda, and guess what, if my previous visit is anything to go by, if you have been once you simply cannot wait to get back and plan your next trip. It’s a great escape to a land where you can feel the love.”

This was the fifth year in a row The Reefs was singled out by the magazine as one of the preeminent hotels in the Caribbean region.

“The resort offers a variety of room options, including cottages nestled among pristine limestone cliffs with dramatic views of Bermuda’s South Shore,” said the magazine. “… Room 316 (Vertigo) is located on the hotel’s highest point; the views are some of the best on the island.”

Recently American travel writer Elizabeth Hansen, who specialises in profiling destinations for affluent vacationers, said The Reefs provided the jewel in the crown of her Bermuda experience.

“What you’ll find when you arrive is turquoise water lapping up on pink sand beaches, a constant gentle breeze, colorful plant life, and pastel houses with white roofs that make the whole place look like a Gaugain painting,” she said in a report at her website. “What you won’t find is just as important, and that includes fast food emporiums, neon signs, and slums

“I’ve been to Bermuda twice: once as a tourist (not a happy experience) and once as a very happy authentic luxury traveler. The difference is that the first time we stayed at a hotel in Hamilton and took taxis to the various beaches and historic sites. BIG MISTAKE.

“The second time, we stayed at The Reefs – a perfectly gorgeous resort right on a beach with a coral reef for snorkeling just offshore. It was one of the best holidays we’ve ever had. The staff was great. The food was great. The spa was great. We snorkeled every day, kayaked a couple of times, took one taxi tour of the island, and spent the rest of the time relaxing on the beach.”

“… Pure bliss. There are lots of good reasons why The Reefs has won multiple awards from ‘Travel & Leisure’ and ‘Condé Nast Traveler’ – and 50% of the guests are repeat visitors.”

In his “48 Hours” column appearing in the “Independent” newspaper today [Mar.9], Mr. Calder says there was plenty to see on his recent two-day visit.

He  recommended British visitors seek out Bermuda attractions as diverse as St. Peter’s Church and the Masterworks Museum Of Bermuda Art in the Botanical Gardens.

Mr. Calder was in Bermuda last month to report on the island for his award winning “48 Hours” column.

Named after Sir George Somers’ flagship which led to the accidental settlement of Bermuda in 1609, the “Sea Venture” and her sister ship “Island Venture” were commissioned by the Norwegian company Flagship Cruises.

Built in 1971 in West Germany for $25 million, “Sea Venture” sailed between Bermuda and US ports for three years. Sold to P&O subsidiary Princess Cruises in 1974, “Sea Venture” was renamed “Pacific Princess” and served in that fleet from 1974-2003.

The 1977-86 ABC sitcom “Love Boat” was set aboard the “Pacific Princess” and followed the romantic and comic tales of passengers and crew aboard the cruise ship.

While other ships in the Pacific Cruises fleet doubled for the “Pacific Princess” in some episodes of the long-running series, most ship-board footage was shot on the former “Sea Venture.”

“Love Boat” opening credits

She then ran for Spanish operator Pullmantur and was renamed “Pacific”. In 2008 she operated for Quail Cruises, still as “Pacific.”

The 1,233 foot vessel was recently sold for 2.5 million euros to Turkish demolition company Cemsan, Italian newspaper “La Repubblica” reported yesterday [Mar. 7].

The ship’s sale came after its owner failed to pay a Genoa, Italy company a six million euros tab for asbestos removal and refurbishment, the newspaper said.

BDOT’s latest UK transit campaign, running throughout the course of 2012, will begin with an iconic London double-decker bus fully wrapped in advertising designed by BDOT’s internal creative team.

The eye catching bus is fully adorned with the image of Bermuda’s signature pink sands, clear blue sea and a pair of Bermuda shorts.

The bus will showcase the message “Closer than you think”, website details and the “Feel the Love” Bermuda tourism branding on the side of the vehicle, and “Only seven hours from London Gatwick” on the rear.

“And for the next 12 weeks, it will be traversing London’s busiest routes. Not only will it pass by some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as Piccadilly Circus and Big Ben, but it will also be seen by millions of UK residents simply engaged in their day-to-day activities,” said the BDOT.

According to the Minister of Business Development and Tourism Wayne Furbert, the BDOT is literally taking Bermuda’s message “to the streets”.

Minister Furbert said, “This is an effective way to ensure the destination is top of mind. We are not only grabbing the attention of a strong demographic audience, but we are doing so in a very eye-catching and creative way.”

In addition to the London bus, a fleet of fully branded pink taxis targeting business commuters, leisure and shopping audiences will be seen throughout the capital city area.

Taxi drivers are acting as brand ambassadors by wearing characteristic Bermuda shorts and interacting with passengers, offering information of the branding and holiday destination while in their taxi, offering a one-to-one marketing experience with commuters.

A four-week train passenger panel campaign will also run on lines in London & the South East targeting 3.9 million individuals travelling into Central London.

The train car panels are also adorned with iconic images from the island, the “Feel the Love” branding and BDOT website details.

Meanwhile, consumers in the important markets of Toronto and Boston will get their own taste of the creative transit advertising with two wrapped street cars in Toronto on the streets between now and April, and a fully wrapped trolley in Boston that is now visible to hundreds of thousands of commuters for a three-month period spanning through May.

Commuters heading into the Lincoln Tunnel to New York are currently greeted by a giant billboard promoting the island while transit commuters into New York’s Grand Central Terminal have seen Bermuda’s messaging on new, high profile digital boards in the main hall of the terminal as well,” said the BDOT.

A recent guerrilla effort by the BDOT featuring Bermudian food and cultural offerings engaged hundreds of thousands of commuters and visitors to the transit hub.

Minister Furbert said, “We are sending a very strong message directly to consumers. We want your business, we are nearby, we are ready to welcome you and give you the time of your life.”

The campaign by Out of Home International, appointed by the department’s UK based consumer and trade PR agency, Publicasity, includes a Bermuda-pink London Bus, train passenger panels promoting the island and a fleet of fully branded taxis targeting business commuters, leisure and shopping audiences in Greater London.

William Griffith, Bermuda’s director of tourism, said: “Bermuda is a best in class luxury destination and we are excited to be reminding the UK of all it has to offer. We will be targeting international business, leisure and the group incentive markets.”

Promoting the fact that Bermuda is “Closer than you think”, the campaign aims to remind the public that it is “Only seven hours from London Gatwick.”