MONTREAL — BermudAir’s brand new Montreal-Bermuda route, launched June 12, expands the airline’s growing Canadian presence, which already includes Toronto and Halifax.
The Bermuda Tourism Authority and BermudAir teamed up for a North American sales mission in recent days, with events in Toronto, Montreal and more.
Bermuda may prove to be a winning destination under current circumstances. With ongoing tensions between Canada and the U.S., and recent events in L.A., there’s little to suggest that Canadian travellers will be rushing back to the U.S. in typical numbers anytime soon.
Aéroports de Montréal’s Karl Brochu (left) and BermudAir founder and CEO Adam Scott (photo credit Frédérique Ménard-Aubin)
Bermuda, however, is an excellent alternative. And those who had the good idea to launch this new route this year – especially this year – are now reaping the benefits.
“It wasn’t planned this way, but we have to admit that the current situation between Canada and the U.S. plays in our favour,” said Julie Rempel, Head of Marketing for BermudAir in Canada. “Right now, Canadians are looking for new destinations where they can travel safely while enjoying culture, history, and fine cuisine – and they find all of that in Bermuda.”
To meet demand the airline has increased flight frequency from Toronto and Halifax along with the new Montreal flights.
BermudAir 2T aircraft arrival at YUL (photo credit Frédérique Ménard-Aubin)
What exactly might appeal to Canadians in Bermuda? “A lot of things,” answered Jamari A. Douglas, VP Marketing, PR, and Communications at the Bermuda Tourism Authority. “Our history, our culture, our architecture, our cuisine – a blend of African, Portuguese, Caribbean, and British influences – our stunning beaches (some of them pink!), outdoor adventures, and cave exploration are all great reasons to visit Bermuda.”
“In winter, we know Canadians love to escape the cold,” added Rempel. “Even if they’re not sweating on the beach in January, Bermuda’s mild climate offers a nice break from the northern chill.”
Bermuda is also a top destination for golfers. “With seven courses, we have the highest per capita concentration of golf courses of any Caribbean island,” said Douglas. It’s also a great destination for families, with several supervised beaches that allow parents (or grandparents) to relax while kids play.
“We have a strong multi-gen clientele, often made up of travellers who came here for their honeymoon and are now returning with their children and grandchildren,” noted Rempel. “We’re still seeing strong interest in honeymoons, and also in babymoons—those trips couples take before welcoming a child, for one last journey together.”
Visitors can even follow in the footsteps of John Lennon, who spent two months in Bermuda in 1980, or artist Georgia O’Keeffe, who stayed there in the 1930s.
Lastly, BermudAir Holidays, offers several themed vacation packages, and the ‘Helloooo Summer Sale’ is in full swing, with discounts of up to 30% on accommodations.
One question remains: how long should you stay in Bermuda to really get a feel for the place? “I’d say that, in general, visitors stay for a week,” said Douglas. “But I’d rather suggest they stay forever!”
This article originally appeared at ProfessionVoyages.com, part of The Travelweek Group
The Bermuda Tourism Authority hosted Canadian travel industry events this week in partnership with BermudAir (photo courtesy Julian Haber)
