Discover Bermuda

04/12/2025

Plans to build a new telecommunications tower to allow the reopening of the St David’s Lighthouse as an attraction have been given the green light.

While there were objections to the proposal over its visual impact, the project garnered support from the Department of Planning.

Officials found that alternative locations had been considered and ruled out.
The proposal sought permission to remove telecommunications equipment from the St David’s Lighthouse and erect a new telecommunications tower and a single-storey communications shelter building.

Documents in the planning application said: “The lighthouse has also been used as a telecom infrastructure, accommodating telecom equipment for local telecom operators and for Government’s Marine and Ports and Bermuda Police Service installations.

“The greatest detrimental effect on the structural integrity and use of the lighthouse as a National Park asset and monument by visitors stems from the fact that the weight of the telecom equipment is overbearing.

“The lighthouse has therefore been closed to the public and visitors for more than two years now, as it’s deemed unsafe.

“The lighthouse is meant to be fully renovated in the course of this year to have it reopened; and prior to that, as part of the plan, the telecom equipment will be removed.”

Plans to build a new telecommunications tower to allow the reopening of the St David’s Lighthouse as an attraction have been given the green light. While there were objections to the proposal over its...

04/12/2025

A cruise ship was gifted a plaque after it made its inaugural visit to Bermuda.

Seabourn Encore docked at Dockyard on Friday morning while en route from Lisbon, Portugal to Miami, Florida.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, led a small group aboard to welcome her crew, led by Captain Andrew Pedder.

He later said that he was optimistic Seabourn Encore would make future visits to Bermuda.

Neville Tyrell, the chairman of the Bermuda Land Management Corporation, presented a plaque on behalf of the Port of Dockyard.

The ship, which was supposed to port in Hamilton but adjusted because of strong winds, was moored for two days for her 535 passengers to explore Bermuda.

Seabourn Encore is a nearly 700ft vessel and the Seabourn flagship.

She is made up of 12 decks, including a spa and fitness centre, dining areas, an entertainment centre and a range of pools, with a capacity for 600 guests.

A cruise ship was gifted a plaque after it made its inaugural visit to Bermuda. Seabourn Encore docked at Dockyard on Friday morning while en route from Lisbon, Portugal to Miami, Florida. Owen Da...

02/12/2025

Bermuda has seen an uptick in Canadian visitors this year as travellers look for alternative destinations outside of the United States.

Overall, there has been year-over-year growth of about 31 per cent, Jamari Douglas, vice president of marketing, PR and communications at the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA), told PAX during a recent visit to the destination.

Bermuda has seen an uptick in Canadians this year as they look for alternative destinations outside of the U.S. Overall, there has been year-over-year growth of about 31%, Jamari Douglas, VP of marketing, PR and communications at the Bermuda Tourism Authority, told PAX during a recent visit. “We.....

27/11/2025

Singapore-headquartered shipbuilder and aluminium specialist Strategic Marine has delivered a pair of custom-built 40m x 9.7m low-emission catamaran ferries to the Government of Bermuda, reportedly ahead of schedule and within budget.

The ferries, christened Warbaby Fox and Cecil Smith, will support the island nation’s transport and cruise tourism network while achieving 25% lower CO2 emissions, thanks to two US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier 2-compliant CAT 3512C engines per vessel. Each engine is rated 1,756kW at 1,800 rpm.

Designed by Australia-based One2Three Naval Architects, each ferry features a depth of 3.2m, a 1.56m draught and the capacity for 550 passengers, including designated wheelchair spaces. Each vessel is also equipped with a VEEM Star-C propeller, featuring a 51.5″ (1,308mm) diameter, and has been outfitted for onboard WiFi.

Speaking at the handover ceremony as the newbuilds were unloaded by heavy-lift cargo ship BBC Moonstone, Bermuda’s minister of tourism and transport, culture and sport, The Honourable Owen Darrell, commented: “These ferries are striking vessels — their clean lines, bright interior and wide windows give them a presence that immediately signals progress. When they move across the harbour, they will look every bit as modern as they feel inside. These improvements support our environmental goals and create long-term savings for the taxpayer.”

Singapore-headquartered shipbuilder and aluminium specialist Strategic Marine has delivered a pair of custom-built 40m x 9.7m low-emission catamaran ferries

20/11/2025

An active hurricane season led to fewer air and cruise arrivals to Bermuda between July and September, the Bermuda Tourism Authority has revealed.

A statement said “unavoidable weather-related challenges”, particularly those caused by hurricanes Erin and Humberto, resulted in approximately 20,000 potential cruise ship visitors being diverted away from the island after “six storm-related cancellations”.

The storms also contributed to 6.3 per cent fewer air arrivals to Bermuda during the period.

Not all tourism statistics for the quarter were negative. Bermuda saw 21.8 per cent more air arrivals from Canada compared with the same period in 2024.

The number of air visitors from almost every other region either decreased or only marginally rose year-on-year.

While the average hotel rate and revenue available per room rose 13.8 per cent and 9.8 per cent respectively, overall occupancy fell from 76 to 73 compared with the third quarter of 2024.

Vacation rentals were 66.7 per cent occupied during the quarter, down from 70.8 per cent year-on-year, but the average air visitor spent 2.2 per cent more per person and the year-to-date spending barely decreased.

Most of the 64,110 visitors who arrived on the island by air between July and September claimed to have travelled for vacation or leisure purposes.

Bermuda welcomed 214,385 cruise ship passengers between July and September, 7,204 fewer year-on-year and 25,515 fewer this year to date.

The BTA recorded 93 total yacht arrivals during the quarter, 21 fewer than between July and September 2024.

An active hurricane season led to fewer air and cruise arrivals to Bermuda between July and September, the Bermuda Tourism Authority has revealed. A statement said “unavoidable weather-related challen...

06/11/2025

Bermuda to be 'more engaged' with UK agents as visitation grows

Bermuda Tourism Authority has announced plans to be “more engaged” with UK travel agents after visitation from British holidaymakers grew by 3% this year.

Speaking at World Travel Market 2025, the tourism authority’s chief operating officer Erin Wright told Aspire an online education platform is due to launch before the end of 2025, allowing travel advisors to “become Bermuda experts”, complete with yet-to-be-announced incentives.

She said the organisation is seeking “partnerships” to strengthen its presence among the UK trade in 2026, with plans for “more roadshows and fam trips”.

The United States remains the country’s largest market, constituting around 80% of all visitors, but the tourism authority is looking to “diversify” into Canadian and European markets, including the UK.

“Because we have direct flights from the UK to Bermuda with British Airways, the UK is definitely a focus market for us,” Wright added.

Wright said the country is “well-positioned in the luxury space” as “most of the resorts on the island” are high-end, including the 593-key Fairmont Southampton which is due to reopen next year following extensive renovations.

Expansion is expected across the island, as Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa is set to introduce an additional 48 rooms, and Elbow Beach Hotel has been taken over by Loren Group with a projected relaunch of 2029.

Wright said: “With all this growth, what better way to increase demand and fill the additional product than work with the trade?”

She added that visitor numbers are expected to increase in line with sailing event SailGP, which the country will host for three years from May 2026, and a three-year run of the PGA Tour Butterfield Bermuda Championship beginning this November at the Port Royal Golf Club.

Beyond luxury stays and sporting events, Wright said: “Most travellers these days are looking for authentic experiences that are about getting to know the destination rather than just sitting on the beach.

“We consider ourselves to be a place where the whole island is your resort. You can rent scooters and electric cars to explore the whole island and meet the people on your own – we encourage people to do that because it’s so safe and small.”

Wright said she considers Bermuda an “undiscovered place”, adding the tourism authority’s marketing focus for next year is to promote this element of the country, not just its well-known “exclusivity”.

https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/bermuda-to-be-more-engaged-with-uk-agents-as-visitation-grows

29/10/2025

Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday afternoon as a Category 5 hurricane -- one of the most powerful hurricane landfalls on record in the Atlantic basin.

After landfall, the storm was eventually downgraded to a Category 3 hurricane before restrengthening into a Category 4 storm late Tuesday as it barreled toward Cuba where it was expected to make a second landfall.

Here is Melissa’s projected path:

Melissa is now a Category 4 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph.

On the latest forecast track, Melissa was expected to make landfall in eastern Cuba as a Category 4 overnight and move through Cuba through Wednesday morning.
Melissa is expected to reemerge over water on Wednesday and approach the Bahamas as either a Category 2 or Category 3 hurricane through Wednesday night.

By Wednesday night, Melissa is forecast to be back over the open Atlantic before approaching Bermuda by Thursday evening as a possible Category 2 hurricane.

By late early Friday morning Melissa will be passing Bermuda as a Category 1 hurricane and then continue out to sea.

https://abcnews.go.com/US/hurricane-melissa-path-track-category-5-storm/story?id=126893988

28/10/2025

Beyond Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa to blast Cuba, Bahamas before turning toward Bermuda

Hurricane Melissa has already unleashed deadly flooding, and after sweeping over Jamaica, it will take aim at Cuba and the Bahamas with life-threatening condition
After crossing Jamaica, Melissa will remain a dangerous storm with flooding rain, high winds and destructive storm surge. The hurricane is forecast to cross eastern Cuba before reaching the central Bahamas and perhaps Bermuda as it accelerates northeastward. Depending on Melissa's exact track, there is the potential for impacts in Atlantic Canada and Europe.

https://www.accuweather.com/en/hurricane/beyond-jamaica-hurricane-melissa-to-blast-cuba-bahamas-before-turning-toward-bermuda/1829511

15/10/2025

Re Share - The Government of Bermuda

Gombey Festival Weekend 2025
Get ready to celebrate Bermuda’s iconic Gombey tradition with a weekend full of rhythm, colour, and culture — October 17–19, plus a Chewstick Jam Session on October 26!
• Sip & Learn Night – Oct 17
• Gombey Festival Showcase – Oct 18 at Botanical Gardens
• Culture & Codfish – Oct 19 at Mid-Atlantic Sports & Boat Club
• Chewstick Open Mic Jam – Oct 26 at Blue Water Anglers Club
📍 Details at culture.bm.

06/10/2025

We’re proud to announce that Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, a Fairmont Managed Hotel, has been awarded Bermuda's Leading Hotel 2025 at this weekend’s World Travel Awards Caribbean Gala Ceremony! 🎉✨
Affectionately known as the “Pink Palace,” this iconic waterfront resort continues to set the standard for luxury, elegance, and world-class hospitality in Bermuda. From its stunning marina views to its exceptional dining and art-filled interiors, this award celebrates our commitment to excellence in every guest experience.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible team and loyal guests—this victory is yours too! 💙
Here’s to more unforgettable stays, timeless elegance, and award-winning moments at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

02/10/2025

The launch of Bermuda Art Month, presented by Masterworks in partnership with The Loren Hotel and the Bermuda Tourism Authority, has been postponed due to storm preparations and will now begin on Sunday, October 5.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Art Month Launch, presented by Masterworks in partnership with The Loren Hotel and the Bermuda Tourism Authority, has been postponed to allow patrons time to focus on storm preparations.

“The festivities will now kick off with the Meet Us in the Onion Patch Reception and Launch Event on Sunday, October 5, from 6:00–8:00 PM at The Loren Hotel. Guests will enjoy an immersive introduction to the exhibition and celebrate Bermuda’s rich creative community.

“Following this, the Artist Talk – Jahbarri Wilson: Meet Us in the Onion Patch will take place on Wednesday, October 22, from 6:00–7:30 PM, offering an in-depth conversation with the artist about his work and inspirations.

“Meet Us in the Onion Patch is just one of the scores of Art Month activations happening throughout October. Visit our website for a full list of events and experiences.

“The organisers thank attendees for their understanding and look forward to welcoming everyone to these signature events that highlight Bermuda’s vibrant arts scene and year-round cultural offerings.”

https://bernews.com/2025/10/bermuda-art-month-launches-october-5/

30/09/2025

Hurricane Humberto is expected to produce dangerous surf for Bermuda and the U.S. East Coast this week while Tropical Storm Imelda is strengthening near the Bahamas, forecasters said.

Humberto remained a powerful Category 4 storm in the Atlantic early on Monday and a Tropical Storm Watch was in effect for Bermuda, the National Hurricane Center in Miami said.

At 2 a.m. EDT, Humberto was located about 400 miles (645 kilometers) south-southwest of Bermuda moving northwest at 14 mph (22 kph) with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph (220 kph), the center reported.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/bermuda-bahamas-henry-mcmaster-miami-atlantic-b2835658.html