Bermuda SUN, SAND AND SOPHISTICATION by Angela Kryhul CASE STUDY: CANADA MICE DISCOVERY TRIP LENGTH OF PROGRAM: Five days ATTENDEES: Six Canadian incentive travel planners GOAL: Bermuda is more than pink sand beaches and turquoise waters: it’s a rising star for Canadian incentive travel. With Canadian total leisure and business arrivals up 35.6% over 2024, the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) partnered with Canadian planner Dionne Bishop and Fever Pitch Marketing Communications to showcase the island’s diverse, incentive-worthy properties. VIBE OF THE PROGRAM: Welcoming, elevated and fun. “I was blown away by Bermuda’s vast offerings from both a corporate and incentive perspective,” says Victoria Selano, vice-president, communications and events, The Event Xpert, Toronto. “You could create a marvelous incentive program that is very niche and feels both luxurious and personalized.” ACCOMMODATIONS: Attendees were hosted at Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa, the only Bermuda property offering an all-inclusive option. This 201-room waterfront resort will add 50 rooms by the end of 2027. Recent renovations include expanded dining venues and a rooftop lounge. The Natura Cave Spa can be converted into a special event space for small groups. Notable properties on the island include the Michelin Key- recognized Loren at Pink Beach; The St. Regis Bermuda Resort, offering legendary butler service; and The Rosedon, a family-owned boutique property boasting mid-century flair. Looking ahead, the Fairmont Southampton is undergoing a $550-million renovation and will reopen in 2026 with 593 guestrooms, significantly increasing Bermuda’s hosting capacity. LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS: When rain and wind disrupted scheduled activities, Donna Douglas, assistant director of sales for BTA, quickly pivoted to ensure memorable experiences, including a private tour of Alexandra Mosher’s Hamilton jewelry studio and an island foraging workshop by Doreen Williams-James of Wild Herbs N Plants of Bermuda. The island’s tight-knit community— supported by experts like Select Sites Group, APEX Bermuda Destination Management and Flood Transport—work in harmony to ensure “it’s another day to be great on purpose,” Douglas says. “ Experiencing Bermuda through this FAM trip has highlighted its exceptional offerings for meetings, incentive programs and leisure travel. With outstanding venues and undeniable island charm, Bermuda proves to be the ideal destination for both business and pleasure. I will certainly be returning!” —Chantelle Bonham, CMP, DES, Redstone Agency, Toronto HIGHLIGHTS STRONG CANADIAN CONNECTIONS About 3,500 Canadians call Bermuda home, shaping its hospitality and business scene. Former Fairmont Royal York manager Tim Morrison now leads the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, while Lili Bermuda perfumer Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone also serves as Canada’s Honorary Consul. ENDLESS ACTIVITIES Snorkel among 300+ shipwrecks, dive with local experts or set sail on a catamaran excursion. Golfers enjoy courses like Port Royal, host of the PGA Tour’s Bermuda Championship. Rosewood Bermuda 66 | Ignitemag.ca | Winter 2025
