BTA Launches Ferry Ambassador Programme
Passengers travelling on the Orange Route ferry between Dockyard and St George’s will now receive onboard guidance and recommendations through a new BTA Visitor Ambassador Programme, and there will also be live musicians at ferry ports on select high traffic days.
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] through the Bermuda Visitor Service Centre has launched a new Visitor Ambassador Programme aboard the Orange Route ferry service, further strengthening the visitor experience and improving access to the historic Town of St George.
“The initiative follows the recent announcement by the Marine & Ports Unit within the Ministry of Tourism, Transport, Culture & Sport confirming the return of the 2019 Orange Route ferry schedule, restoring direct service between Dockyard and St George’s. This enhanced route provides a significant boost for visitors travelling east, supporting long-standing calls from the St George’s community to drive traffic to attractions, businesses and properties within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“As part of this coordinated effort, the BTA will place a dedicated Visitor Ambassador onboard the Orange Route ferry. The proposed schedule includes coverage Monday through Saturday on the 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. departures from Dockyard, with a return on the 2:00 p.m. ferry from St George’s. The programme is expected to run through the end of September.
“Positioned at the lower-level ferry kiosk, ambassadors will engage directly with passengers, providing tailored recommendations and real-time guidance to enhance the complete on-island experience, with a particular focus on St George’s and the East End.”
“Our goal is to make the visitor journey as smooth and effortless as possible by providing a friendly face with local knowledge at key moments of travel,” said Jasmine Furbert, Director of Experiences at the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
“All of our team members are AnchorBDA certified and equipped to answer questions, support excursion planning and guide visitors toward experiences that best suit their interests. Importantly, this initiative allows us to highlight options on both ends of the route, ensuring travellers can make the most of their time in St George’s as well as Dockyard on the return journey, and the rest of the island.”
Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture & Sport Owen Darrell emphasised the collaborative nature of the initiative. “The return of the Orange Route and the introduction of onboard Visitor Ambassadors reflect strong collaboration between the Bermuda Tourism Authority, the Marine & Ports unit and the Ministry of Tourism, Transport, Culture & Sport. Together, we are enhancing connectivity, improving the visitor experience and supporting the continued growth of St George’s as a key pillar of Bermuda’s tourism offering.”
A spokesperson added, “On select high-traffic days, the visitor experience will be further enhanced with the introduction of live musicians at ferry ports, adding a cultural touchpoint for travellers arriving and departing along the route.
“In keeping with sustainable practices, the programme will not utilise printed materials. Instead, visitors will be directed to Bermuda’s official tourism experience calendar via QR codes, providing easy access to up-to-date information on events and activities across the island.
“The BTA is also exploring opportunities to feature Bermuda content on the ferry’s digital screens. A curated selection of video assets, including St George’s-focused promotional content, may be incorporated into the onboard rotation, alongside QR-enabled visuals that link directly to experiences and itineraries.
“The combined approach of enhanced ferry service and onboard engagement represents a strategic effort to increase visitation, support local businesses and ensure a more seamless and enriching experience for travellers exploring Bermuda.”
