Bermuda Tourism Authority Encourages all to ‘Rethink Tourism’ on World Tourism Day
(Hamilton, Bermuda - September 27, 2022) - The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) joins member representatives of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation in marking World Tourism Day on September 27, 2022. ‘Rethink Tourism’ is the theme for the global tourism initiative and centres around building fresh, sustainable approaches to tourism in a post-pandemic environment. In alignment with the theme, and Bermuda’s National Tourism Plan, the guiding document for the island’s tourism sector envisions a growing and practical tourism future that incorporates balanced seasonality and rewarding benefits for all stakeholders with the goal of a more sustainable industry and planet.
BTA is amplifying ‘Rethink Tourism’ with a social campaign recognizing four local organisations with an eco-friendly ethos. The campaign features commentary from just a few of Bermuda’s change agents, including:
Food & Beverage Director, Matthew Kitson, at Huckleberry at Rosedon, whose farm-to-table philosophy showcases the work of Executive Chef Damien Griffith, and their dedicated kitchen staff.
Weldon Wade, the Communications Coordinator for the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme, underlines the critical importance of protecting Bermuda’s ocean playground.
Earlena Ingham, co-owner of Natural Mystic Hub is featured discussing her business’ contribution to the growing holistic food movement on the island.
Kimberley Fisher of The Agra Living Institute rounds out the slate of sustainable entity spokespeople featured and showcases the ways in which education and collaboration contribute to a social sustainability model that will positively impact the entire community.
BTA’s Davida O’Brien, Tourism Standards & Training Manager said, “The theme for this year’s World Tourism Day is about rethinking tourism development including education, employment, and its impact on the planet. It’s the goal of the organisation to highlight the diverse range of roles, businesses and community organisations that contribute to tourism in Bermuda.”
The Bermuda National Tourism Plan is comprised of seven pillars that form the acronym A-G-I-L-I-T-Y. Each letter represents key pillars that direct the marketing, growth, and development of the industry. The second pillar within the AGILITY umbrella, (G-Greener), underlines the organisation’s approach to protecting Bermuda’s environment as part of vision for the island’s tourism industry.
“World Tourism Day gives us yet another platform to highlight Bermudian stories and share experiences that both our visitors and community can participate in,” said Jamari Douglas, VP Marketing, PR & Communications. Douglas continued, “It was a pleasure collaborating with local businesses who are keen on sustaining our island so that future generations can enjoy it for yet another 400 years."
Tracy Berkeley, Interim CEO of BTA said: “Tourism has served our country well for generations as a principal contributor to our economy. To continue to ensure that it benefits our community, and our environment in a sustainable way going forward, we need to look at tourism with fresh eyes,” says Berkeley. “Our National Tourism Plan is a non-partisan living document that was created in 2019, with input from tourism stakeholders, community partners, past visitors, and industry insiders. We are proud to be working towards a balanced and sustainable future together. “ Berkeley concluded.
The Bermuda World Tourism Day campaign can be found on the BTA Insights corporate social channels (@BTAInsights) on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. To learn more about World Tourism Day, visit https://www.unwto.org/world-tourism-day-2022, and use hashtags #RethinkTourism and #WTD2022.
