Bermuda’s tourism businesses are offering a full weekend of deals, discounts and special experiences to mark World Tourism Day.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority is encouraging visitors and residents to rediscover the power of travel by immersing themselves in a host of Bermudian experiences on offer this weekend, September 26 & 27. The BTA has created a website listing to highlight the wide range of must-try experiences provided by participating hospitality businesses island-wide.

“We’re excited to promote two action-packed days of activities and experiences—on land, in the water, and even underwater,” said Glenn Jones, the BTA’s Interim CEO. “While the United Nations focuses the world’s attention on tourism, this is an excellent opportunity here at home to support Bermuda’s experience providers and educate visitors on the tourism-industry excellence that sets our island apart from other destinations.”

Among the weekend’s special offers are museum and art gallery attractions, snorkelling expeditions, sailing cruises, history tours, national park excursions, boat rentals, and a “Backyard Party” at Tobacco Bay, St George’s. Vendors are offering deals of up to 25 percent off tours, rentals, and other activities.

The weekend also includes the final day of the BTA’s Alfresco Dining Festival. The Royal Naval Dockyard will host the festival’s grand finale Saturday, 9 am–11 pm, with live entertainment by visiting DJs and open-air menus offered by the historic venue’s restaurants. An outdoor movie presentation will be screened in the Victualling Yard by Media Lounge at 9:15 pm.

The United Nations marks the 40th World Tourism Day Sunday, September 27. The occasion was first celebrated in 1980 by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a leading UN agency whose mission is to promote tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability.

World Tourism Day Weekend is part of the BTA’s inside-out marketing plan, designed to stimulate spending from residents while simultaneously engaging visitors at a time when traveller volume remains low.

• Press release from the Bermuda Tourism Authority