BTA Release Third Quarter Tourism Stats
The Bermuda Tourism Authority released third-quarter results comparing Q3 2021 performance against 2019, saying that “the report highlighted the sobering reality of persistent declines across various measures, although the rate of decline had softened compared to previous quarters. ”
The BTA said, “The island welcomed 27,806 leisure air visitors in Q3, which represented 40% of 2019 numbers. Notably, the sum total air visitors to the island reached just 37% which could be attributed to lagging business travel which met just 17.5% of the 2019 business visitor headcount. Airline capacity was 48% of 2019 levels.
“Cruise travel continues to be among the hardest-hit categories and the report showed that cruise passenger volumes reflected just one percent of that seen in the same period in 2019.
“The Viking Cruise Homeport programme had been in place since May 2021, but all 3,576 passengers flew into the island and were consequently included in air arrival numbers under a separate purpose of visit, representing 11% of the air visitors in Q3. The resumption of traditional cruise calls began in August with the arrival of Crystal Symphony, followed by the Norwegian Breakaway, which made its first call to the island in late September.
“Not all measures were gloomy, however, as length of stay for leisure visitors [6.66 days] and visitors overall [7.85 days] continued to surpass 2019 figures by 22% and 29%, respectively, reflecting a shift in visitor travel trends. Another glimmer of hope emerges when comparing the average spend per visitor.
“That metric jumped by 23% for leisure air visitors, moving from $1,606 per person in 2019 to $1,980 per person in 2021. The total average spend per air visitor saw a less dramatic, yet noteworthy increase of 7.8%. However, with lower visitor numbers, the cumulative estimated air visitor spending fell from $136.8 Million in 2019 to $55.8 Million, representing a decrease of 59.2%.
“The story of accommodations is complex, with a marked reduction in the country’s hotel inventory, introduction of a luxury property and a global shift that has strengthened vacation rentals worldwide, the data shows both growth and loss.
“Vacation rentals, including AIRBNB, VRBO and other local rental agencies, saw a return to occupancy levels of 2019. At the same time, Bermuda’s hotels saw 56% occupancy levels for Q3, which was 24.6% less than that in 2019. Average daily rates [ADR] jumped nearly twenty per cent when compared to Q3 2019. The temporary closure of Fairmont Southampton Princess and the introduction of luxury property St. Regis will have contributed to the marked elevation in ADR. ”
Charles H. Jeffers II, CEO of Bermuda Tourism Authority, said, “Tourism numbers fell off a cliff in 2020, and scaling up to 2019 heights will be a gradual process.
“With increased vaccine uptake in many of our key markets, the sector recovery has begun, but the data shows that the impact of the pandemic remains with us. That’s why we have embarked on a brand study to gather information from potential visitors and on-island stakeholders. The insights gained will guide our marketing and sales strategy and ensure it aligns with the global paradigm shift on travel.”
“Bermuda is a high value, attractive destination but in this current environment we need to find ways to reduce obstacles to choosing Bermuda. The government has made progress in navigating through the latest surge and has the tools in place to keep the island safe.
“So, now we are working with the Bermuda Government to support refinement of our visitor arrival protocols. Industry stakeholders agree that it is important that protocols are aligned with the evolving testing technology and reflect the progress made globally through the uptake of vaccinations.
“Notably, most of our visitors are vaccinated, and health department data shows that less than 0.1% of vaccinated visitors have tested positive for Covid while on island.”
The full BTA Quarter Tourism Measures Q3 2021 follow below [PDF here]:
The PLP Government will no doubt use these figures to take control of the BTA and make it another political cash cow
Clearly Bermuda has lost its way. The Covid testing and TA requirements are too much when competitors have opened up. Even if that is fixed, what is BTA trying to market? Bermuda has no brand to sell, it was destroyed by the PLP for political purposes. Now very few hotels, and costs way too high when you include room rates, restaurants and getting around (and that includes Airbnb). Crime, unkempt roads and jungles, what’s left of the Botanical Gardens, the place looks a shambles.
Now add in the Government wanting to lead tourism and its a recipe for total disaster. No worries though, the CS will get paid as will the MPs gravy train, for now.