bermuda 4u » Essential

Gambling ban on docked cruise ships to be lifted

david — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:34:17 +0000

The Bermuda Government have given the go ahead to allow cruise ships to operate casinos while docked in port. The concession is part of a wider plan to increase the competitiveness of the island as a major cruise destination.

Premier and Tourism Minister Dr Ewart Brown announced the decision in the House of Assembly last week. Cruise ships would also be allowed to open bars, shops, and allow entertainment while docked, all prohibited under current legislation.

The Government have defended the plans, stating that Bermuda is losing its competitive edge in the cruise market, particularly the ability to attract smaller ships capable of docking in Hamilton and St George.

Cabin tax for ships visiting Hamilton and St George has also been waived for 3 years.

2008 tourism statistics announced

david — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:00:34 +0000

Ewart Brown, Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transport, has announced improved tourism statistics for 2007. Total visitor arrivals were 663,767, up 3.4% on 2006. 305,548 visitors arrived by air (up 2.2%) while 354,024 (up 5.3%) came by cruise ship. Hotel occupancy rates rose to 67.1%, compared to 63.8% in 2006.

He also emphasized that with cruise ships moving from Hamilton to Dockyard in 2008 there would be a significant reduction in the number of cruise arrivals during the transition period.

Museum closed for upgrades

david — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 11:04:51 +0000

The Bermuda Historical Society Museum has closed for upgrades and will reopen in March. The existing collection will be enhanced by new exhibits that reflect the history of all segments of Bermudian society. The museum has been criticised in the past for focusing on the history of the island’s white population.

PLP victorious

david — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 15:26:28 +0000

The Progressive Labour Party won a third term in office yesterday after a bitterly-fought general election. Premier Ewart Brown’s party beat the opposing United Bermuda Party, winning 24 of the 36 seats in the House of Assembly.

New Governor announced

david — Wed, 09 May 2007 10:53:39 +0000

Governor Sir John Vereker has announced he will quit is post at the end of 2007. His replacement, arriving in December, will be Sir Richard Gozney, currently British High Commissioner in Nigeria.

First quarter tourism statistics announced

david — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 10:52:05 +0000

Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transport Dr Ewart Brown announced a pretty impressive set of tourism statistics for the first quarter of 2007. Speaking at the Fairmont Southampton yesterday he revealed that total arrivals were up 23 percent to 45,825 compared to the same period last year. Hotel occupancy rates also showed a healthy increase, rising by 21 percent.

Airport renamed

david — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 10:51:13 +0000

Bermuda International Airport has been renamed LF Wade International Airport in honour of the late PLP leader L. Freddie Wade. A ceremony held at the airport on Monday to mark the change was attended by Premier Ewart Brown and Opposition Leader Michael Dunkley.

Gay cruise cancels Bermuda stop

david — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 10:40:41 +0000

A cruise for gay and lesbian families organised by chat show host Rosie O’Donnell has cut Bermuda from its itinerary because of fears of protests by local church groups. R Family Vacations, a company owned by O’Donnell’s partner Kelli O’Donnell, said on its website, ‘we feel that our cruise would be more enjoyable with an alternate itinerary to ports where we know we are welcome by everyone.’ In 2004 a similar cruise to Nassau was met by protesters chanting anti-gay slogans.

Tourist information centres renamed

david — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 09:40:47 +0000

Bermuda’s tourist information centres have been renamed and their operations handed over to private companies. Management of the Visitor Information Centres, previously known as Visitor Service Bureau, has been transferred from the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce to three private operators; BermyNet, Café Latte and TMM Visitor Services.

English tests for foreign workers

david — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 12:25:00 +0000

Foreign workers from non-English speaking countries will shortly have to pass an English language test to remain in Bermuda. Derrick Burgess, Minister of Labour and Immigration, told the House of Assembly last week he was concerned that many Bermudians had complained that many restaurants were employing waiters who couldn’t speak English and brought incorrect dishes.