2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship Contributes $17.7 Million to Bermuda's Economy
The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) has released the KPMG Economic Impact Report for the 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship, revealing that the event contributed $17.7 million to Bermuda’s economy. The annual report, commissioned by the BTA, provides a detailed assessment of the return on investment from the tournament’s sponsorship. The 2023 results represent an incremental increase from 2022’s $17 million.
Driving Economic Stimulus and Global Awareness
"The 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship has reaffirmed its role as a significant event for Bermuda, blending economic stimulus with global media exposure,” said Tracy Berkeley, CEO, BTA. “This signature event showcases our island as a premier golf destination while supporting our year-round tourism strategy. As we look ahead to the 2024 Championship, we remain steadfast in delivering on our mandate to further elevate Bermuda’s profile on the world stage, solidifying our position as a top destination for sports tourism."
Sponsored by the Bermuda Tourism Authority and Butterfield Bank, this premier PGA TOUR event has elevated Bermuda’s profile, featured the golf courses, and highlighted the island’s year-round tourism assets. Of the thousands of spectators who attended the event to watch 132 of the best PGA TOUR players compete, 19 percent were from outside Bermuda, up from 14 percent in 2022, a testament to the increased global interest and positioning of Bermuda as a premier golf destination.
Aligned with the Bermuda National Tourism Plan, which focuses on year-round travel, sports tourism, and local involvement, the Butterfield Bermuda Championship has succeeded in attracting international visitors, stimulating local commerce, and raising awareness of Bermuda as a world-class golf destination. The Championship is an essential part of Bermuda's strategy to position itself as a year-round destination for sports, meeting key objectives for sports tourism through the “Teams and Groups” pillar of the plan.
Eventive Sports, the organizing body responsible for the Championship’s logistics, also made significant investments (>$5 million) to ensure the event's success. "We are proud of our role in delivering an event that not only showcases Bermuda on the global stage but also leaves a lasting impact on the local economy. We partnered with sixty-five Bermuda businesses in key areas such as hospitality, media operations, transportation, retail, and construction and look forward to working with our local partners again this year,” said Danielle Carrera, Tournament Director, Butterfield Bermuda Championship, Eventive Sports.
PGA TOUR Boosts Championship Stature in 2023
The 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship took on a new identity on the PGA TOUR calendar as one of seven tournaments in the FedExCup Fall, which plays a pivotal role in determining player eligibility for the following PGA TOUR season. The Butterfield Bermuda Championship was once again televised on Golf Channel as the sole PGA TOUR event held over the weekend of November 9-12,2023, providing greater global exposure for Bermuda as a destination.
With his win at the 2023 Butterfield Bermuda Championship, Colombia’s Camilo Villegas received 500 FedExCup points and invitations into other high-profile events including the 2024 Masters Tournament, which he had not qualified for since 2015.
"The Butterfield Bermuda Championship has been a valuable part of the FedExCup Fall and the broader TOUR schedule, and the 2023 tournament provided a tremendous opportunity to showcase Bermuda and its world-class golf to a global audience. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Bermuda to deliver an impactful and globally recognized event," said John Norris, Senior Vice President, Tournament Business, PGA TOUR.
Community Engagement and Charitable Impact
The 2023 Championship not only delivered a substantial $17.7 million economic boost but also had a profound community impact. A total of 689 volunteers played a key role in the event, contributing their time and effort. Notably, $1.1 million was raised through the Birdies for Charity Programme benefiting 66 Bermuda-based charities, reflecting the Championship’s strong commitment to the local community. Overall charitable giving attached to this programme has grown to a total of $3 million accumulated over the past five years.
Sustainability Initiatives
As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, the Butterfield Bermuda Championship has renewed its partnership with Aspen for the 2024 event. This collaboration, alongside support from local environmental charity Keep Bermuda Beautiful (KBB) and Recycle Bermuda, underscores the tournament’s efforts to move closer to a more sustainable future. The initiative focuses on reducing plastic waste, which poses a serious threat to Bermuda’s oceans and wildlife. The event’s organisers are dedicated to minimizing the environmental footprint of Bermuda’s premier golf event.
Tickets Now on Sale for 2024 Championship
The 2024 Butterfield Bermuda Championship is scheduled to take place from November 11-17, 2024, at the Port Royal Golf Course. Tickets are now available, and fans are encouraged to secure their spots for what promises to be another exciting and impactful tournament.
Read the full economic impact report here. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.butterfieldchampionship.com
