Entrepreneurs Invited To Apply For Programme
Tourism stakeholders and entrepreneurs are invited to apply to the Bermuda Tourism Authority Experience Investment Programme [EIP].
A spokesperson said, “The initiative provides marketing or funding support for innovative tourism entrepreneurs and business owners whose proposals meet the programme criteria and align with the Bermuda National Tourism Plan [NTP] objectives.
“The goal is to help create memorable, authentic experiences for visitors already on the island or those still in the planning stages, drive visitor spending and build opportunities to interact with locals. Applicants must provide a business plan articulating the vision, goals for sustainability, and marketing strategy.
“A panel of industry stakeholders will review the proposals alongside BTA representatives. Submissions that incorporate food culture, authentic Bermuda history and culture delivered in innovative ways, immersive environmental experiences and adventure in unexpected natural locations are opportunities that are highly sought after by our primary visitor segments.
“Unique on-the-water experiences, live entertainment series and luxury experiences marketed towards visitors are particular areas of interest for the review panel. The Bermuda Tourism Authority has produced an online guide to help candidates navigate the Experience Investment Programme application process. Interested awardees are invited to consider idea starters targeting experiences with local artists, immersive railway trail experiences or transformation of Bermuda’s historic forts or outdoor locations into tasting experiences with live entertainment.”
Tashae Thompson, Director of Experiences at Bermuda Tourism Authority, said, “This programme is designed to provide a boost to our inventory of memorable experiences and adventures for our visitors. We know some local innovators require just a bit more support to take their vision across the line, and we want to empower them through funding, marketing, or collaborative opportunities.”
A spokesperson added, “In 2021, twenty applicants received over $215,000 in funding for their initiatives, including two live entertainment series – Buna Live in the west end of the island and High Notes on the Harbour in St. George’s. Historical tours, curated food experiences, and an African Diaspora tour series were some of the other experiences awarded EIP funding in 2021.
“Applications for the EIP grants will be accepted through the EIP Portal for proposed June to December activations until March 31, 2022, 11:59 PM ADT. Applicants are encouraged to review the Experience Investment Presentation online for guidance on completing their proposals. For more information, email experiences@bermudatourism.com.
“Tourism-oriented businesses can register their product, service or experience on BTAConnect, to be listed on the high traffic, visitor-facing GoToBermuda site for broader exposure to travellers planning their Bermuda vacations.”
No thanks and I highly advise other young creatives not to share your ideas.
I have first hand experienced meeting with both government + tourisim officials and shared my creative, fresh and innovative ideas to only be told in the meetings ‘[...]these are such great ideas, you will hear from us soon’.
Fast forward months later after multiple follow-up’s with no response and calls made with no call-backs and magically, my idea is brought to life under the BDA Tourism brand with no credit to myself or the opportunity to collaborate on my idea, at the very least.
Protect your ideas.