London Experiences the Real Flavour of Bermuda

Premier Brown celebrates the perfect marriage between Bermuda and the British holidaymaker

More than 250 UK media and travel industry guests gathered last night, 14 April 2010, in central London for an evening hosted by the Premier of Bermuda and Minister of Tourism the Hon. Dr. Ewart F. Brown, JP, MP.

Following three days of touring the UK, delegates from the Bermuda Department of Tourism, Bermuda Hotel Association and representatives from 11 of the Island’s hotels were joined by Dr. Brown to give London a true taste of Bermuda.

Held at the prestigious Café de Paris with a pink theme to reflect the pink sand of Bermuda, the venue was decked out in pink lighting, beach and golf scenes representing the two seasons of the Island and a stone moongate presiding over a pink beach-themed stage.

The delegates, wearing traditional pink Bermuda shorts, arrived at the venue in fully liveried pink London taxis. Bermudian musician, Randy Lambert, also flew in especially for the event to provide the sounds of the Island for the night.

Guests sampled signature cocktails, Dark ‘n Stormies and Rum Swizzles, created with Bermuda’s Goslings Black Seal Rum, and dined on canapés offering the local tastes, including traditional fish chowder and fresh sea bass.

Dr. Brown launched a new UK wedding initiative for couples who opt to marry in Bermuda, whereby the bride and groom will fly to the island for free between 01 May – 31 October 2010.

“In a market saturated with offers, bargains and sales, we believe that by being innovative, Bermuda will stand head and shoulders above the competition,” said Dr. Brown. “An example of this innovative thinking is our Wedding Promotion.”

William Griffith, Director of Tourism, Bermuda Department of Tourism, added: “Last night, Bermuda brought the sights, sounds and tastes of our island to central London. Throughout the roadshow we’ve been demonstrating the increased investment that the Bermuda Department of Tourism is making in the UK market, and we hope to see positive results in the coming months.”

Also in attendance was Michael Winfield, Chairman of the BAT European Marketing Committee, and President & CEO, Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa. “Bermuda’s hoteliers are dedicated to increasing the number of holidaymakers from the UK. We believe there is significant potential in this market and are working in close partnership with the Bermuda Department of Tourism to ensure that UK visitors receive the best offers and are fully aware of the unique and varied accommodation product available on the Island,” he said.

Three of the event’s attendees were the lucky winners of a visit to the Island courtesy of Prestige Holidays, British Airways, The Reefs, Fairmont Southampton, Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa, Elbow Beach, The Rosedon, and Tuckers Point Resort & Spa.

In addition to the special wedding promotion, the Bermuda Department of Tourism and Bermuda Hotel Association is currently promoting an exciting 6,5,4 sale in the UK, through which visitors can benefit from savings of up to $600.

Also, the Bermuda specialist programme, www.bermudaspecialist.co.uk, has been revamped and relaunched for UK travel agents wishing to become Island specialists. In conjunction with the relaunch, all UK travel trade professionals who book 24 room nights or more will be entered into a draw to win a holiday for two to Bermuda.