An open discussion about the current state of tourism in Bermuda
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- Опубліковано 9 лип 2023
- A Bermudian rambles about the current state of tourism in Bermuda for 20 minutes
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I think you made some very valid and correct points. The tourist industry that Bermuda spent so many years profiting from no longer exists at such a large scale.
I think to improve Bermudas tourism industry a 12 point plan is needed. For Example ;
1. Diversify offerings
2.Sustainability initiatives
3.Develop niche markets
4.Infrastructure improvement
5.Improve Marketing and branding
6.Improve Digital presence
7.Improve air and sea connectivity
8.Training and hospitality standards
9.Engage the local community
10.Address seasonality
11.Collaboration with stakeholders
12.Visitor feedback and data analysis
By adopting a multifaceted plan like this that emphasizes sustainability, diversity, and community involvement,I feel that Bermuda could reposition itself as a more attractive and appealing tourist destination. However this costs money and who knows if the government is willing to spend it.
Great comment! I especially like #'s 3, 5, 6, and 9. I think those can be related, and expanding in those areas wouldn't require any more investment than they are already making. I remember last year when BTA flew some Instagram photographers down. They hung out for a weekend, took some pictures then went back home. I don't really know what their strategy was there because the selected individuals had zero relation to Bermuda or traveling in general. It seemed like the only metric used in the selection process was follower count which is a strategy straight out of the early 2010s before people really understood how engagement works. All that money spent when some local alternatives would have provided a better return for pennies on the dollar. We always seem to be a step behind when we need to be a few steps forward. Thanks for watching and thanks for the great comment!
Hey, Omar - I was there from February 1989 to April 1992 in the U.S. Navy. I lived in Sandy's Parish. I found all the Bermudians extremely pleasant, helpful, and kind. Everyone always said good morning, and smiled warmly. I transferred to London and the first day I am walking down Bond street and I was greeting people like I was used to in Bermuda and people looked at me like I was crazy! Quite the culture shock.
I remember that feeling when I was in philly for school! I'd say hello and they would look at me like I was a lunatic haha
I’d totally still go! Went 4 years ago and loved my time there. I’m not a person needing to be coddled by tourism folks…I particularly enjoy experiencing the island more like it really is, which is fantastic in my limited experience. Bermuda gets two thumbs up from this near-Boston resident. 👍🏻👍🏻
Great attitude! The rock definitely has plenty of gas in the tank, I just think we need to refocus on visitors like yourself!
@mjk2613 - Thanks for the question! Sorry it took so long to answer 😅
You da man.
No worries! The wait was worth it given a video response 😂
Planning on going for a weekend get away with my wife four days, I like the fact it’s not going to be smothering and I actually get to eat what the locals eat and not just staying on a resort.
Have a great trip!
I was in Bermuda in 2013, and I had such a wonderful experience. (I'm not of the tourist crowd that likes to laze away in a beach, but rather, I'm the sightseeing kind.) From my experience, Bermuda is quite pretty on so many levels and is one of my favourite places. I remember a bus driver over there, originally from Barbados, telling me that I went to the right island, as opposed to Barbados (not that Barbados isn't all that bad, I'm sure). I was, therefore, a little saddened about hearing anecdotal evidence of Bermuda's tourism industry having gone downhill since then. But still, I'd love to go back there one day!
I try to stress that Bermuda is still a wonderful place that’s definitely worth a visit. But many of us are cursed with hindsight. It’s impossible to compare the island today with Bermuda 10,20,30 years ago and not notice the changes. There are less activities, less restaurants, less accommodations and less locals involved in the industry. I was walking through Chancery lane yesterday and realized that every single restaurant and cafe that was on that strip has now closed down. It’s completely empty besides one Indian place. Yet, if you search online you still get many (older) reviews saying how great it is. I just think it’s important for people to know exactly what Bermuda is like in 2023 because if you come expecting what it was decades ago, you will be disappointed
@@OmarJames Thanks. I have such wonderful memories of the Salt Kettle Inn, where I stayed on the recommendation of a friend who had stayed there. Now, chances are it seems, I might have to stay at another place, but oh well!
Thanks for the candid analysis. This is very interesting for an outsider and potential migrant to work in international business on the island 😅
Hi Omar, I have just discovered some of your videos and will work through some more before our next (9th I think) visit in October. You sound honest and realistic with a refreshing view on things. We love Bda, come self catering for 2 weeks, use public transport to get around, only go to dockyard when there are no cruise ships in, avoid Horseshoe Bay and love exploring new places. We love Woody's Sports Bar and are looking forward to the food festival in Hamilton next month, not the 'posh' evenings but the street food evening. It looks like we might pick up some tips from you channel, keep up the good work!
Thanks for watching! Hope you find some useful information here!
My wife and I went in 2023 and absolutely loved it. We talk about moving to Bermuda. I am in music and kitesurfing and I feel like it may be very challenging to make it in those industries in Bermuda. I read a lengthy document about the tourism industry and evolution of music in Bermuda that was very informative and interesting. Very much enjoying your videos and perspectives. Thanks!
I really appreciate your videos and I think you've been very objective in your comments. I've visited Bermuda 9 times since 1984 (Loews in St. George).
Thanks!
I’m coming to Bermuda late Feb and you’re absolutely right about the information out there. I’ve been searching and searching and searching for things to do and ……Crickets lol
Not gonna lie…Entertainment wise, this is the dark ages for Bermuda. Especially in the offseason. You really need to know people because everything happening this time of year is more lowkey or privately organized. Very few big events. No clubs. No entertainment district. It’s slim pickings..
I loved Bermuda! I have been in Bahamas, Cayman, Barbados and some others, for work but still have time to check around after work, but I would always rather Bermuda more than any other country. Yes it’s quite expensive but I love the food, the kind people ( they even stop at cross lanes to let you walk. ) I’m not working at the company that let me travel to there but I will always treasure the time I was in the island as the best place I have visit. And my heart will be there forever.
Hello Omar James, I'm making some research on living in Bermuda. Your videos have been of good help, I just wanted to thank you for the work you're doing! Greetings from Spain!
Glad I could help!
Great points, I was born in Bermuda and now live in Orlando, FL. I've been visiting the island consistently since I moved in 1993. My sole mode of travel was flying. So recently I intentionally chose to cruise to the island in July to get that experience. The friends and family that came with me really enjoyed the cruise experience as they feel they got the most for their money. Of course they visited Horseshoe Beach, Kings Wharf and Hamilton. They thought the island was exquisite and extremely beautiful. They also did visit St. Georges and I was shocked to hear that it was empty like you described. I went to school in Bermuda in the 80's and 90's and there are some things that have changed that I really like. I thought the vendors at Horseshoe were phenomenal. You had Umbrellas, chairs and food on demand. The shuttle service to the beach and back was economical and quick. I really like the new electric vehicle option. I think it's safer than the mopeds and are more convenient to rent. The option of renting an airbnb also makes the island more affordable to tourists. Some additional changes are the Railway Trail, with recent upgrades providing you views of the island that were not available to me growing up. I'm really excited about seeing the new airport, I hear its too big and a lot of empty space; but, I'm still curious to experience walking into the airport and not going down the steps. I was really intrigued about the new airline, Bermuda Air. Watching your video is how I found your channel. Living in Florida I am excited about that direct flight from Ft. Lauderdale. However, I'm not to sure about the cost of $2,000 round trip that is set to take place in November. All in all I enjoy your videos and I appreciate that it gives me a fellow Bermudians perspective. Keep up the good work.
Hi! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a great comment! Glad you enjoyed your trip back. Bermuda is definitely still the jewel of the Atlantic but sometimes it seems we're happy to just coast along instead of striving to make our tourism product the best it can be. However, things are turning around and hopefully we can return places like St. Georges to their former glory. Also, the airport is definitely full of unused space right now but I like to think we'll eventually grow into it. Thanks for watching!
Good observations !
Hello Omar, I have been following your videos and I find them very informative and helpful. I am a Canadian and a future expat to Bermuda by the end of this year. Thank you so much for keep posting these videos!!
Thanks for the kind words! And thanks for watching! Good luck with the move!
Another great and honest video 👌🏼
I appreciate that!
Very good video. Thoroughly enjoyed it!! You should share your suggestions with the BTA
Going in mid August... Looking forward to your unique local experiences videos.
You just missing cupmatch unfortunately, but you will have a good time
great honest vid! would be good to see a islanders guide to Bermuda .. the bars you might not know about, tourist spots that get overlooked
Next few videos will be exploring some hidden gems. Keep an eye out!
I hope to see some of those videos before my trip in mid September. @Omar, Many thanks for taking the time to post all your videos and greatly appreciate your insights and kindness.
... thank you, your video was again very interesting. I would go back to Bermuda immediately if I could! 😘😘😘❤️❤️❤️
Glad you enjoyed it!
Спасибо за качественый контент}
Just here thinking about what you said and think that maybe the BTA should think about creating a different tourism product. A more personalized service where you pay let's say 2000 for 7 days and you will get accommodations, 1 meal a day and a "concierge"/tour guide that will be available to you like 9am-6pm on-call that will take you around if needed as well as schedule some excursions to local spots/tourist attractions while you're there. Not only will you not have to worry about getting around, but you will have a local that will help you get the locals experience + do touristy things as well. I could imagine that's worth more than 2000 but would be something unique enough to attract more people to the island.
One thing is definitely true - the tourism shipped sailed a long time ago and not having affordable (or any at all) all-inclusive options on the island is a huge deterrant. I want to bring my fiance to Bermy but don't have much family or friends there now to make it affordable so it's a tough sell. We were checking out Airbnbs and even those prices are pretty ridiculous unless you want to stay in the depths of St. David's or Dockyard. Everything else, you're looking at at least 250 a night..and that's the cheaper options. We can't compete on the global tourism market.
That's the "outside the box" thinking we need more of! Can't say whether something like that would be successful or not, but it's worth a discussion for sure! We still treat the industry like it's the 80s but many things have changed since then...We need to change too!
Omar you never disappoint 🤣🤣🤣
😁
Very great info thank you. I have been a few times in the 80-90s. Looking forward to revisiting in a few months. Still have a cock and feather t shirt... hmmm.... things have changed lol
Before my time but I hear that name often from people reminiscing about the glory days! You got a collector's item there. It's pickled onion now 😁
What's good brother. I'm a Bermudian that has been gone since 1776. 99% of my family is there. I'm thinking of retiring home. I need your ear for a few. What's your twitter?
@omarthejuice but I rarely post anything