Entrepreneurs Invited To Submit Experience Ideas
Bermuda entrepreneurs are being reminded to submit concepts for innovative on-island experiences to the Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] by the end of the month.
A spokesperson said, “Home-grown ideas to enhance the island’s tourism product are invited—and, if successful, could qualify for support under the BTAs Tourism Experience Investment Programme that helps local talent take the next step. Applications for the next round of BTA 2019–20 programmes opened September 1 and are due September 30. Applicants can create a profile and submit applications here.”
“The purpose of this process is to recruit tourism ideas that will be ready for launch in the first and second quarters of 2020,” said BTA Chief Experience Development Officer Glenn Jones.
“This aligns well with the National Tourism Plan’s aim to encourage more year-round experiences. We invite any budding entrepreneurs who may or may not have an existing business to submit an application to be considered for support.”
Eettafel Bermuda was among 2019’s first round of successful applicants in the BTA Experience Investment Programme, that provides home-grown entrepreneurs financial and marketing support to help turn tourism ideas into viable businesses:
A spokesperson said, “Four priorities for BTA investment in 2020 experiential tourism projects have been identified as: food tourism; re-imagining cultural sites & natural assets; experience & services in superyacht tourism; and historical ties to tennis. However, entrepreneurs with proposals that do not fall squarely within those categories are still invited to apply.
“The BTA transitioned to two rounds of investment applications in 2019: the first took place in March, targetting experiences to be launched in the third and fourth quarters of 2019. This current second round aims to give flight to experiences in the first and second quarters of 2020.
“Successful entrepreneurs who received BTA support earlier this year include: PinkSand Entertainment, which produces all-inclusive packages for Made in Bermuda Nights at White’s Island; luxury picnic provider Eettafel Bermuda; Urban Culture Exchange, that offers a party experience over Labour Day weekend; The Supper Club, which hosts food-centred parties at unique locations; and St. Peter’s Mysteries & Majesties Tour, giving a behind-the-scenes look at royal secrets inside the oldest Anglican church in the western hemisphere.
“Notably, sport and adventure experiences have been taken out of this process: applicants can now submit those ideas on a rolling basis throughout the year.
“Applicants for experience investment who have questions or need assistance can contact: experience@bermudatourism.com. An informational presentation from a recent BTA workshop can be accessed here.”
BTA has handed out millions of dollars in funding for entrepreneurs ideas but no one has any idea how many were successful in attracting visitors. Many of the businesses are serving residents and have little or nothing to do with visitors. There are many on the island struggling to make ends meet while BTA hands out ‘gifts’ to dreamers who are not required to provide much more than an idea that appeals to BTA. How many of those who received funding in 2016 are still operating today as business that attracts visitors????