News Release: Hamilton, Bermuda (November 21, 2019) — Nine entrepreneurs and event producers have been approved in the latest round of the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s Experience Investment Programme this fall.
Another five participants performed favourably in the application process—decisions on those proposals have been deferred pending approvals or verification of information. In all, 26 applications were received in a submission process that began in September and was extended to October 10 due to Hurricane Humberto. Most of the home-grown tourism ideas submitted are set to take place in the first six months of 2020.
“In Global Entrepreneurship Week, we salute all the entrepreneurs who built proposals and put their ideas forward in our Experience Investment Programme,” said Glenn Jones, Chief Experience Development Officer at the BTA. “We look forward to more than half of the 26 proposed projects taking flight, hopefully deployed into our tourism economy between now and next summer.”
Supporting Entrepreneurs is What We Do from Bermuda Tourism Authority on Vimeo.
Fourteen approved and deferred applicants represent up to $210,000 in funding support. Funds are distributed to entrepreneurs and event producers once they agree on contract terms with the BTA, and performance milestones must be met before full investment is released.
The roster of newly approved tourism ventures included:
• Art of Resistance—curated tours of City of Hamilton artwork highlighting African-Bermudian history
• Festival of Performing Arts—annual winter showcase of international performing artists
• Future Leaders—learning experiences for visiting educational and research institutions promoting cultural immersion, education, eco-volunteering and community projects
• Harbour Nights—weekly street festival of late-night shopping, entertainment and art in Hamilton
• Made in Bermuda Nights—weekly series of outdoor summer concerts featuring local musicians
• Pan African Music Festival—festival of musicians from South Africa matched with local performers
• Rum Punch Brunch—a brunch and day-party food experience held at cultural sites and parks
• X20 Adventures—inflatable waterpark located in the island’s West End
• Yoga en Blanc—wellness retreats especially geared to African-American travellers
The Tourism Experience Investment Programme is designed to help ideas and entrepreneurs aligned with the National Tourism Plan get off the ground. The programme also seeks to help existing businesses and ideas grow so they become a greater part of the visitor experience and increase visitor spending.
The programme will next accept applications March 1–31, 2020, focusing primarily on experiences taking place in the second half of the year. Leading up to the application period, the BTA will host preparatory workshops February 27 and 28 to help prepare applicants.
