33 events get tourism funding from new board

Nearly $1 million worth of funding has been ploughed into tourism initiatives for the next 12 months.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority has provided financial backing to a total of 33 upcoming events and activities.

However, 60 per cent of the proposals presented to the BTA were rejected, often because the initiatives were not aligned with the objectives of the Bermuda Tourism Plan.

Yesterday the authority vowed to do more to help more entrepreneurs successfully receive funding.

Chief product & experiences development officer Pat Phillip-Fairn said: “As excited as we are about the 33 ‘Tourism Experiences’ we are funding over the next 12 months, only 10 per cent of submissions received the full funding they sought.

“To improve that statistic the BTA will have a series of Lunch and Learn Sessions to educate entrepreneurs and innovators on our research about current and target visitors.”

Of the $990,500 being invested over the next 12 months, more than three-quarters will go to sport-related activities and events.

Arts and culture funding makes up the majority of the remaining balance, while $10,000 went to natural resources proposals.

Mrs Phillip-Fairn said: “We believe strongly some of the strongest ‘Tourism Experiences’ ideas will be homegrown. 

“Our focus now is to equip those entrepreneurs and innovators with the knowledge needed to turn their incredible ideas into sharply focused business plans that align with the BTA’s overall objectives.”

Events

Successful applicants for BTA funding include: Saracens — The Big Game, Bermuda Billfish, Around the Sound Swim, Bermuda Squash Challenge, Bermuda Open Volleyball, St George’s Historical Reenactments, Frog and Onion Oktoberfest and Little Island Big Adventure.