With 692,947 recorded arrivals in 2017, Bermuda welcomed the highest number of visitors in its history. The Bermuda Tourism Authority reports that this is the strongest performance since 2007, and year-end hotel occupancy topped 60 percent for the first time in years.
Leisure air arrivals rose 11 percent, driven largely by increased service from Boston, New York and Canadian gateways. Total leisure spending climbed 20 percent, and overall hotel occupancy improved by 9 percent. Most of the growth in leisure air arrivals—about 83 percent—came from travelers under 45.
“Bermuda’s tourism industry achieved its most impressive performance in a decade last year, with both leisure air visitors and on-island spending posting double-digit percentage growth,” the Bermuda Tourism Authority said.
“Beginning in 2014 the Bermuda Tourism Authority implemented a multi-year strategy to restore the island’s tourism industry to prominence. Last year represented a major stride forward on that journey,” said Kevin Dallas, CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
Vacation rentals saw particularly strong demand, with Airbnb reporting a 133 percent increase in bookings. One in ten visitors opted for a vacation rental rather than a hotel stay.
“Bermuda is an increasingly important market for Airbnb. Through our partnership with Bermuda’s government and tourism authority, we have expanded available listings and helped more visitors connect with Bermudian homeowners. In 2018 we plan to deepen that partnership and offer community-focused home-sharing seminars across the island,” said Shawn Sullivan of Airbnb.