AC Puts New York In A Bermuda State Of Mind
Bermuda was on full display at the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series New York event with multiple activations throughout the riverside AC Event Village.
Visitors had a unique opportunity to learn all about the Island at the Bermuda Tourism Authority booth. Making their way through the moongate entrance, guests could get a picture in the photo booth with Bermuda-themed props and backgrounds as well as peer through a special viewfinder featuring Bermuda photos.
Additionally, BTA staff were on hand to answer questions about Bermuda and ensure they knew all about the America’s Cup in 2017. Guests were also treated to tasty popsicles and refreshing coconut water.
Lamar Caines, Assistant Research Manager for BTA, said the activation offered great exposure for the Island. “This is basically an opportunity for us to expose people who came down for the races to Bermuda and what we’re offering next year.
“The photo booth went really well. Guests had an opportunity to have their picture taken with different Bermuda signs, so that’s awesome exposure that people are going to take home and their friends are going to see. So the exposure extends far beyond just those that came here today.”
He continued: “The response has been really cool. We’ve worn shorts every day and the amount of people that recognize the shorts right away, it’s really cool. It shows that the Island is visible to the world and people know who we are.”
Hamilton Princess and Beach Club shared the Event Village space with the BTA and offered mini-massages for visitors, which were a big hit, and a relaxing lounge area along the shoreline.
Robert Marusi, Director of Hotel Sales for Hamilton Princess, was happy to promote the hotel at the World Series event.
“It’s all about brand awareness. This activation has drawn total awareness to our property and our Exhale Spa that’s coming in June.”
“The response has been tremendous, both from visitors who have been to the Island before as well as people wanting to know how to get there and what we have to offer. So again, brand awareness and certainly a reconnection to visitors.
He continued: “It’s good because this event is putting Bermuda back on the map where it should be and it’s certainly raising awareness for our iconic hotel that’s been modernized and giving us the exposure that we need.”
Also representing Bermuda was TABS, located in the Sail Racing store, selling Bermuda shorts as well as swimwear featuring images of the America’s Cup catamarans racing in Bermuda.
TABS founder, Rebecca Hanson said: “It’s been great, especially today with the sunny weather. People are buying the shorts and getting excited about the product. It’s a huge privilege to be here and to be against all of these international brands as well.
“We’re right there with Sail Racing and Sperry and the watch brands, it’s fantastic. It’s a great opportunity. The pink shorts are selling well and the new kids swim shorts are selling well. We digitally printed a picture of the boats racing in Bermuda onto the garment and it looks awesome.”
BERMUDA ROCKS! AMERICA’S CUP IN BERMUDA ROCKS!
Bermuda got great coverage and exposure in our target market. Good job all round. Shame about the crappy sailing conditions. Onwards and upwards – May/June 2017 in Bermuda is going to be awesome!
So this is where our money is going.
Schools are falling apart, but let’s throw a party in NYC.
Priorities all wrong with the OBA
The point is – the America’s Cup threw this party and Bermuda leveraged it to generate interest right in the heart of our largest tourism market.
Thousands show up to watch a sailboat race and then find themselves drinking Dark n Stormies, buying Bermuda shorts and booking vacations to Bermuda.
It helps if you take a longer term view.
The BTA and government are trying to turn the Americas Cup into revenue generating opportunities. Where as fixing up schools is capital expenditure. You need revenue to pay bills otherwise you sink into debt, which is where the former PLP government put this country. Get Real needs to get an education in basic finance.
@ get real: Any Government like the Progressive Labour Party who’d invited “Beyonce” to the Island for what, a million dollar?
With NO returns.
This Americas Cup will be beneficial to the Island and the trickle down will supply funds to help where needed.
Please get real all you O.B.A. haters because if you’re not part of the solutions then you are a part of the damn problem/s!
Right and the past Govt.flying an Gombey troupe to Switzerland and Ewart Brown constantly flying himself and TWO BODYGUARDS, FIRST CLASS on BA to London…. Sorry but how did that help the schools or our exposure ??
The OBA are trying hard to fix Bermuda’s economy. Those same schools were falling apart when the PLP built the Grand Atlantic and blew 70-80 million on another bunch of buildings that are falling apart. The America’s Cup is reviving tourism on this island. I am sure it upsets you that this is happening. Oddly though despite your objection to it, you will benefit.
Sandy’s 360 and Heritage Wharf also come to mind