News from Bermuda

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.

The Pompano Beach Club was the only hotel in Bermuda featuring in Trip Advisor’s 2008 Travellers’ Choice Awards announced earlier this month. It ranked 9th in the Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Latin America/Caribbean and 52nd in the Top 100 Best Luxury Hotels in the World.

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.

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.

Ariel Sands will be closing for major redevelopment on January 1 2008. It is expected to reopen as a timeshare development in approximately three years.

The PGA of American has confirmed that the PGA Grand Slam of Golf will return to Bermuda in 2008. It will be held at the Mid Ocean Club on October 14 and 15. The off-season tournament brings together the winners of the four major men’s tournaments and will be broadcast live on TNT television.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has signed a deal with the Bermuda government that will see at least two of the company’s new Panamax ships visiting the island until 2018. Under the terms of the 10-year agreement, commencing in 2009, each ship will make at least 22 visits per cruise season. NCL has also agreed to sponsor the Bermuda Music Festival and extend their Freestyle Dining Ashore Programme.

The Bermuda National Trust has a new leader. Bermudian Jennifer Gray will take over the role of Executive Director in January next year. She replaces Derrick Morris who resigned in October after just 9 months in charge.

The World Rugby Classic will be held at Bermuda’s National Sports Centre from November 4 to 10. The annual tournament features former international players and is now in its 20th year. 2006 champions the Classic Lions will be defending their title against Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Argentina, France, Canada and the United States. Tickets for the bleachers cost $25 and are available on the door.

Visitors with out tickets to this month’s PGA Grand Slam of Golf will be able to watch the event for free on a giant screen in Hamilton. On October 17, the final day of the tournament, coverage of the event will be shown live on a 30-foot projection screen at Barrs Bay Park, Hamilton Harbour.