Destination: Bermuda
by John Hawks

article continued from

Bermuda will appeal primarily to several key segments of your client database. It's well known as a spot for weddings and honeymoons. Avid golfers and tennis players love the ready availability of courses and courts on the island. (Actually, Bermuda boasts more golf courses per square mile than any other destination on Earth.) Its close proximity to the eastern U.S.A., plus brand-new airline service introduced by JetBlue to the island's airport in the capital of Hamilton, makes Bermuda an ideal choice for last-minute, long-weekend escapes. Also, you can combine the wide range of meeting spaces at Bermuda's main resorts with the island's cozy feel -- it's only 21 square miles -- to pitch the island for corporate retreats, business meetings, and smaller conventions.

Besides the improved air service these days, other selling points for Bermuda include its range of accommodations -- everything from two full-service upscale Fairmont resorts to wonderfully inviting cottage colonies and guest hotels like the Royal Palm -- and the high repeat factor for tourists. Once your clients sample Bermuda, persuading them to return next year may be a very easy sale! And, if you're based in the western U.S.A., don't give up on Bermuda altogether. If you've sold them on the Caribbean already, it's the same basic flight time to Bermuda.

The drawbacks? Many travelers confuse Bermuda with the Caribbean -- it's technically not in the Caribbean at all -- , so you must prepare your clients not to expect the same laid-back anything-goes atmosphere found in many popular Caribbean hot spots. And, despite the best efforts of some resorts (as well as attractions like Bermuda's zoo), there's not much for small children to do on the island.

Cruising to Bermuda offers additional selling opportunities. CLIA reports that six cruise lines -- Celebrity, Cunard, NCL, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, and Royal Caribbean -- will offer Bermuda sailings this year. Departing from U.S. ports like New York City or Baltimore, these cruises generally combine several relaxing days at sea with stops in one or more of Bermuda's ports of call: Hamilton (the capital city), St. George (Bermuda's most historic town), and Kings Wharf (the newest cruise port). Many cruise lines schedule these stops so that passengers have a full day or more in port to explore the island, so you can help your clients plan excursions that fit their special interests.

Half a dozen tour companies, including three OSSN supplier members (GOGO Worldwide Vacations [registration required], Travel Impressions, and United Vacations), offer pre-packaged Bermuda trips, too.

Ready to learn more about selling Bermuda? Start with the Bermuda Department of Tourism's official Web site. These links will take you to the Bermuda reports compiled by two guidebook publishers: Fodor's and Frommer's. Bermudatravelnet.com will also provide additional ideas for Bermuda trip planning. (For local color, the island's primary newspaper is The Royal Gazette.)