2019 was a year of “measured” performance for Bermuda tourism, as the island saw cuts in airlift but still managed to hit new highs for total visitation numbers. 

Indeed, Bermuda’s overall visitor tally was its highest on record last year, and its second-best total of air arrivals, according to a new report from the Bermuda Tourism Authority. 

That came as Bermuda saw a 5 percent decline in air capacity, with leisure arrivals falling by 6 percent. 

Two carriers reduced their capacity from New York, and flights from Boston were similarly reduced. 

“At the start of 2019, we predicted in-year losses, so, while disappointing, we prepared the industry for this outcome,” said Kevin Dallas, CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. “On the upside: our long-view gains were more robust than anticipated, so the industry and all of Bermuda should feel upbeat about that.”

Dallas said “sustained double-digit growth” in air arrivals through the previous year had positioned Bermuda “well to respond to short-term challenges.”

“We continue to see green shoots fueling the island’s tourism resurgence. Investors, for example, are showing clear confidence in our tourism product, which is moving the island strategically toward growth,” Dallas said. 

For 2020, the BTA anticipates “further reduced airlift,” something that will challenge year-over-year growth, Dallas said. 

“Changing air capacity doesn’t just affect Bermuda—it’s a challenge for every destination as airlines adjust routes and seat numbers according to their own business strategies,” Dallas said. “Global competition remains fierce. Maintaining our strongest air routes and building on already established relationships with key airlines will be critical to our success.”

But that could change in the next few years as Bermuda readies a $280 million airport terminal, and new hotels prepare to come on stream like the new Bermudiana Beach Resort (the island’s first Hilton hotel) and the highly-anticipated St Regis Bermuda, among others. 

— CJ

The post Bermuda Tourism “Upbeat” Amid Airlift Challenges appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The new Royalton Grenada all-inclusive resort is set to debut March 1, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The major new addition on Grenada’s Tamarind Bay will have a total of 269 rooms and suites. 

That will include amenities like five dining concepts from the Gourmet Marche buffet to the Ma Maison French restaurant, along with 24-hour room service and free, property-wide high-speed Wi-Fi. 

It’s the Royalton brand’s first-ever resort in Grenada, following a significant transformation of the former Rex Resorts property. 

It’s the latest addition to Royalton’s ever-expanding portfolio of properties in the Caribbean, following last spring’s debut of the new Royalton Antigua. 

For more, visit the Royalton Grenada. 

— CJ

The post All-Inclusive Royalton Grenada Set for March Debut appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Champagne brand Moët & Chandon has opened its first-ever Moët & Chandon Ice Bar on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas. 

The new outpost is part of Great Stirrup Cay’s new “Silver Cove” destination, with outdoor seating, direct beach access and cocktails along with, of course, the brand’s signature bubbly. 

The new Silver Cove has 38 beachfront “villas,” along with a spa, an oceanfront lagoon and an eponymous restaurant and bar. 

“The exotic barscape is a stunning marvel – flanked by lush palm trees, ample outdoor seating, direct beach access, and decadent cocktails.” the champagne brand said in a statement. 

It’s the latest expansion in the Caribbean-Mexico region for Moët & Chandon, which also recently opened its first-ever Moët & Chandon Suite at the Grand Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta. 

— CJ

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