Bermuda Welcomes Influential Actor, Activist and Model Yara Shahidi
This month, Bermuda was proud to host Yara Shahidi and her family during a getaway that took the world-famous American actor, activist and model to some of the island’s most beloved spots. Shahidi is best-known for her role on the hit show Black-ish and its spin-off series Grown-ish, as well as the new film The Sun Is Also A Star, which was released in May. Additionally, her progressive efforts to end poverty through education and provide online mentorship have won her accolades from Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, among others. The visit is part of the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s ongoing effort to double the number of African American leisure air visitors by 2025 – a goal of the new National Tourism Plan as well as a way to highlight the island’s appeal to one of their target audiences: active families.
“We were thrilled to show off Bermuda’s best to Yara and her family,” said Kevin Dallas, Bermuda Tourism Authority’s CEO. “We loved connecting the Shahidis with Bermudian characters, storytellers and experiences – and the whole world can now travel along with her via Yara’s beautiful Bermuda Instagram posts.”
Inspired by the unique cultures and genuine hospitality of Bermuda, Shahidi, her parents Keri and Afshin and two brothers had “the time of their lives” taking in the life and energy of the island. The family explored the historic Town of St. George with local guide and storyteller Kristin White, enjoyed the local flavours on an exclusive foraging tour with Doreen Williams James, took to the waves on jet skis and discovered secluded beach spots throughout Bermuda. The Shahidis enjoyed true Bermudian hospitality while staying at The Loren at Pink Beach.
Along the way, Yara and co. sampled local delicacies at such island favourites as Marcus’, Sweet Saak Bakery, Bolero Bistro, Wahoo’s Bistro and other Bermuda restaurants. The family was welcomed to the island by Premier David Burt and his wife Kristin at the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club; Premier Burt was pleased to receive a copy of Afshin Shahidi’s new book of photographs of the legendary Prince.
