Entrepreneurs Sought For John Smith’s Bay
An opportunity has emerged for beach entrepreneurs, as the Government has launched their concessionaire recruitment process for John Smith’s Bay, seeking businesses that can deliver a health and wellness experience at the beach this summer.
“The Bermuda Beach Economy Vision establishes an identity for each of the five public beaches in the plan. John Smith’s Bay, with its serene and unhurried atmosphere, was designated an ideal beach for people seeking health and wellness experiences like massages, yoga instruction, hammock rentals, organic food and healthy drinks,” the BTA said.
“The Ministry of Public Works collaborated with the Bermuda Tourism Authority to ensure its concessionaire recruitment process aligned with the vision for John Smith’s Bay. Submissions are being accepted until March 31, 2017.”
“We are very excited to see the government take this step and we expect entrepreneurs will be excited as well,” said Glenn Jones, who leads a Beach Economy Working Group at the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
“When we shared the beach identities with entrepreneurs in November they were ready to put their ideas to work, but voiced concern that government processes had not caught up with the overall vision.
“We still have a long way to go to get all the government and legislative pieces coordinated, but this John Smith’s Bay tender is a major step in the right direction.”
“Successful John Smith’s Bay applicants are expected to be pop-up in nature and not require a brick and mortar structure to operate. Food trucks are also being considered for the location, providing their offerings are aligned thematically,” the BTA said.
“Entrepreneurs are encouraged to review the Bermuda Beach Economy Vision before submitting proposals. A presentation of the Beach Economy Vision and access to the John Smith’s Bay tender are available via the Bermuda Tourism Authority corporate website.
“The Bermuda Tourism Authority formed an internal working group a year ago to recommend improvements to Bermuda’s beach economy, as directed by the National Tourism Plan. The working group had three primary objectives:
- increase visitor spending on public beaches
- improve the beach experience for visitors and locals
- create beach economy jobs
“After extensive visitor and resident research, matched with broad local consultation, the final Beach Economy report was submitted to the Ministry of Environment in May 2016. The report’s recommendations centred around five specific public beaches: Horseshoe Bay, Shelly Bay, Tobacco Bay, Clearwater and John Smith’s Bay.”
The information is below [PDF here]
It is funny how they want all this stuff at these beaches but some years ago when Belcario Thomas wanted to do something at Warwick Long Bay there were numerous objections from the special interest groups…yet they are silent now. Politics.
Warwick Long Bay isn’t included here though
Well that was under the former Government and the former Tourism Department. It’s a new day in Bermuda – embrace the future!
Belcario wanted to open a bar on the beach. Did you read the above? Or are you just quick to gnaigukjndslkbsdnblviudsjbnqwuksdjn?
De special interest groups have an interest in proposing their interest.
LMFAO
That would take a lot of laughing cause you got a big a$$.
He wanted to turn Warwick Long Bay into what Tobacco Bay is now.
Note that Warwick isn’t on this list.
Good progress on the idea – wheels of gov’t turn slow. It will become apparent that brick and mortar is required in order to provide the services people expect. Maybe if the bathrooms were not so large at JSB room could have been made for services. Those heads at JSB are five star!
Looks like horseshoe and john smith aren’t for locals? Oh
Can I still bring my own umbrella, cooler and chair?
You can also bring the chip on your shoulder.
You can also bring all your friends.
You both might enjoy yourselves!
Everyone will probably have more fun if you stay home.
JSB is kind of short for jogging – I would think swimming laps would be more appropriate here. Elbow is great for jogging/running/walking but not on this list.
Is Elbow sizable enough for jogging? I’d have imagined you could only get a good jog on if you intruded on the private beaches at Coral Beach and the hotel property portion of Elbow?
Pop-up libraries? Lol
Probably not the size of what’s in that mock-up, but maybe a smaller-scale (mobile, perhaps) version where you can get some magazines, Bermuda-themed books, novellas…
I hope this does not displace our locals who enjoy elephants and gawking at bikinis.
When I was a kid, there was a taco restaurant called “Pedro’s” right there above John Smith’s. It was so cool – tacos felt like perfect beach food. It very sadly burned down in a big fire. Thirty+ years later, I still miss Pedro’s. It’s a great beach, but some decent food and a beer would make it even better!
Let’s hurry up and commercialise everything!
There’s nothing tourists love more than being asked to open their wallets everywhere they go, and nobody goes to the beach for peace, serenity, and a break from the commercial world right?
Big difference between looky looky men coming up to you and a tasteful concession stand selling decent food and cold drinks.
Being asked to open their wallet. Not at all. What is being asked is for our beaches to provide more amenities. Long gone are the days of simply supplying water and sand.
All those old gawkers who sit up on the bank can’t wait for this to start up.