Bermuda Tourism Authority Reports Q3 Growth

Report highlights notable increase in visitor numbers and spending.

(Hamilton, Bermuda – November 25, 2024)– The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) today reported notable increases in visitor arrivals and spending for the third quarter of 2024, with both air and cruise arrivals experiencing marked growth compared to the same period in 2023.

Bermuda welcomed 50,407 leisure visitors by air during the third quarter of 2024, marking a 13.1% increase over 2023’s figures. These leisure air visitors generated a total spend of $114.1 million, representing a 24.9% year-over-year increase. Average spend per leisure air visitor rose to $2,264, an increase of 10.4% compared to Q3 2023. 

ACCOMMODATIONS

 In quarter 3 of 2024, hotel occupancy improved by 5.3% year-over-year, while Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR) increased by 9%. The average stay for air visitors was 6.51 days, a slight decrease from 6.55 days in 2023, reflecting a gradual shift towards pre-COVID travel patterns. Leisure air visitors stayed an average of 5.58 days, down from 5.65 days in the same period last year.
Vacation rentals saw a near-stable occupancy rate for vacation rentals, and overall performance in this sector remained steady.
Top source markets for leisure air visitors in the third quarter included New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Washington, D.C. The BTA introduced multi-channel sales and marketing efforts to support flights from Washington D.C. (DCA) and Baltimore (BWI) which contributed to increased visitation from these areas.
 

VISITATION BY SEA 

Cruise tourism also saw significant growth, with 221,589 cruise passengers arriving in Bermuda in Q3 2024, up 12.9% compared to 2023.

While Bermuda welcomed 32 yachts, including five superyachts, in the third quarter of 2024—a volume comparable to the same period in previous years—year-to-date figures show a notable increase in both calls and direct economic impact, reflecting forward momentum of Bermuda’s post-pandemic maritime strategy. 

AIRLIFT 

Bermuda’s air capacity increased by 21.2% or 27,705 additional seats compared to 2023. However, a cap on hotel capacity during peak periods served as a limiting factor on the volume of seats sold, which nevertheless rose by 10% or 10,350 additional seats. Visiting friends and family arrivals showed a decrease from the elevated visitation numbers experienced last year, following the elimination of COVID restrictions.

“Our targeted strategy for sustainable tourism growth continues to bear fruit, and we’re encouraged by the positive trajectory we’re seeing across the industry,” said Tracy Berkeley, CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. “Through industry and governmental collaboration and aggressive marketing initiatives focused on our core markets, we’re reporting results that reflect our commitment to a balanced year-round approach. Our team has been working diligently to support the industry through workforce training, innovative experiences, multi-channel visibility in core and emerging markets, and renewed sales partnerships with both group and leisure travel planners. We look forward to building on this momentum going forward.” 

ABOUT THE DATA

The BTA collaborates with various government agencies, including the Department of Immigration and H.M. Customs, to gather and report visitor statistics. Data sources also include the Department of Marine & Ports Services, the Bermuda Skyport Corporation, and other international partners.