Bermuda Tourism took 10 agents on a six day educational to the island. The agents toured the island, sampled a range of activities from golf and snorkelling to moped riding and diving and visited the key historic sights and towns. We asked three agents for their impressions before and after the trip.
Before: I had never sold a holiday to Bermuda and found it very difficult to promote the island when it sits next to an Airtours £699 package to the Dominican Republic. I imagined it was very similar to the Caribbean but a bit more upmarket. I thought of Bermuda as being a place where holidays are very much hotel and beach based and where visitors aren’t really encouraged to venture beyond the resorts on your own for safety reasons. I didn’t really think there would be very much to offer other than lazing on the beach.
After: Bermuda is simply beautiful – the whole trip was a very memorable experience. The people are incredibly polite and correct and it is all very English but with an American accent. There is much more to see and do than I imagined. The history is very interesting and the excursions are great fun. The highlight for me was hiring a moped which I had never done before – it is a great way to explore the island. As traffic and crime are low, I felt very safe wherever I went. The scenery is spectacular and everything is very classy without being snobby. I have already made two confirmed bookings and have four clients thinking about Bermuda for later in the year.
Helen Birtwhistle, Manager, Althams Travel Service, Burnley, Lancashire, Age: 43
Before: This was my first trip to Bermuda and to be honest I didn’t think it would be as good as it appears in the brochures. I have been to the Caribbean and expected Bermuda to be similar, and the brochures would have overstated everything. Bermuda has a reputation for being more expensive than other places and I wanted to see if the extra expense was really justified.
After: Bermuda is every bit as good as the brochures and was far better than I expected. Pristine, beautiful beaches, friendly local people, excellent, efficient service. The place is immaculate – manicured lawns, interesting architecture, vibrant colours. Everything they do in Bermuda they do well, and because everyone has benefited from tourism, there is no a sign of a them and us mentality. The people are genuinely friendly and it is a truly pleasant place to be. Since my return I have recommended Bermuda a lot and was so impressed, I have booked my own honeymoon there. I can’t speak more highly of it than that.
Roger Jarvis, Proprietor, Jarvis International, North Wales, Age: 29
Before: I had a very narrow-minded idea that Bermuda would be very classy and very chic but rather aloof, stuffy and formal. I knew it was pretty expensive and that it was a high-quality destination but didn’t think it would be as relaxed as some of the Caribbean destinations. I had sold a few holidays to Bermuda but didn’t recommend it that highly because I didn’t think it would be particularly good for families because there isn’t very much to do there. I had always wanted to go there so I was pleased to join the trip to find out more.
After: I am going back there for my honeymoon. Bermuda is fantastic. It was certainly classy but not stuffy at all. Everyone is very friendly and there is a lot to do – horseriding, sailing, golf – and the two main towns are lovely places to wander around. The flight is relatively quick – 7hrs – and staying in Bermuda is more like joining the community than booking into a resort. I bore everyone with details of Bermuda now, I recommend it all the time. It is excellent for families. It can be expensive but it is not a mass-tourism destination which helps to keep it so nice for those who can afford to go there.
Tracey Smith, Retail Manager, Reigate Travel, Reigate, Surrey, Age: 28