The Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme [BOPP] hosted an evening dialogue at BUEI that brought together Ministry representatives, the Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA], and representatives of Bermuda’s ocean tourism sector to discuss the importance of a healthy marine environment to Bermuda’s tourism product, economy and long-term prosperity, and to identify practical priorities for how the Blue Prosperity Plan could support the sector.
A spokesperson said, “Dive operators, charter companies, hotels and other ocean tourism stakeholders took part alongside Mischa Fubler, Junior Minister for the Cabinet Office and Innovation; Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport; and Public Works and Environment. Participants included representatives from the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Bermuda Business Development Agency, Economic Development Department, Norwegian Cruise Line, BermudAir, Bermuda Hotel Association, Cambridge Beaches, Odyssey Charters, Sea Venture Diving, Dive Bermuda and more.”
“Bermuda’s marine environment is central to both our identity and our economy,” said Junior Minister Fubler. “Protecting it and supporting sustainable economic growth are complementary goals. This dialogue provides an important opportunity for Government and industry to identify actions that can strengthen ocean-based tourism while safeguarding the natural resources on which the sector depends.”
“The ocean is fundamental to the Bermuda experience and to the businesses that bring it to life for our visitors. Protecting the health of our marine environment is also about protecting the long-term value of tourism for Bermuda,” said Jan Hutton, Bermuda Tourism Authority CEO. “Hearing directly from local operators helps us understand where the opportunities are — and how tourism can support a healthy ocean, stronger businesses and lasting value for our island.”
A spokesperson added, “Representatives of ocean tourism-related businesses spoke to how Bermuda’s reefs, wrecks and marine life underpin their operations, and to the value of continued investment in ocean health for the tourism product as a whole. Discussion touched on the resilience that comes from a well-connected network of Marine Protected Areas, and the value of healthy fish populations and habitats within the MPA for tourism activities. These healthy populations in protected waters can spill over into surrounding areas and support fishing, diving and other activities across the island.”
Stephen Todd, Chief Executive Officer of the Bermuda Hotel Association, spoke to how closely the hotel sector is tied to ocean health. “Hotels are very supportive and reliant on the tremendous benefits of blue tourism and healthy ecosystems. My understanding is that we have some of the healthiest reefs in the northern hemisphere, but the average visitor doesn’t know this. The ocean must be a mainstay of Bermuda’s overall marketing strategy as a key driver in our collective efforts to position our island home as a must visit tourism destination.”
Alexis Roberts, Director of Sales & Marketing at Cambridge Beaches, described how the resort sees its own future tied to the waters around it. “Cambridge Beaches believes in the Blue Prosperity Plan. We are incredibly ocean-centred — our story is intertwined with Teddy Tucker’s, but more than that, we are surrounded by the water, and it is part of who we are. We believe the waters around Somerset Long Bay and King’s Point are an ideal area for protection, providing important habitat for juvenile fish, seagrass, and turtles. We see an opportunity for Cambridge Beaches to be a great steward of this environment and to tell that conservation story ourselves, positioning the resort as a truly special experiential destination for visitors. At the same time, we believe conservation and tourism need to be thoughtfully balanced so that both can thrive.”
BTA data show that beaches, the beauty of the island, and climate and weather are among the top reasons visitors give for coming to Bermuda. For many visitors, that impression begins before they even land. Greg Ramey, BermudAir Holidays Managing Director, noted, “Our ocean is one of Bermuda’s greatest natural assets and a defining part of our identity. From the moment visitors catch their first glimpse of our vibrant turquoise waters and coral reefs from the air, they are met with an unforgettable impression. Promoting and protecting this remarkable resource is essential to ensuring future generations can continue to experience the very best of Bermuda.”
A spokesperson added, “Discussion moved through five practical pathways the Blue Prosperity Plan sets out for growing blue tourism: protecting the reefs, wrecks and marine life tourism depends on, strengthening Bermuda’s brand as a sustainable marine destination, driving growth and diversification through new tourism experiences and businesses, streamlining permitting so marine tourism businesses can start and scale more easily, and embedding sustainability into tourism policy and practice. These objectives are already established in the Plan.
“The evening gave industry, the BTA, and Government a chance to help shape how they should be prioritized and delivered, with a focus on the difference implementation could make for businesses on the ground, from a more coordinated approach to permitting to incubator and scale-up support for operators.”
“It was valuable to hear from businesses, alongside the Junior Minister and the BTA, about how implementation of the Blue Prosperity Plan can deliver benefits for their work,” said Sarah Brooks, BOPP’s Implementation Manager.
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