Scores of sporting and cultural events have been given a cash boost of almost $1 million to help them attract more visitors to the Island.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) has awarded the grants to 33 “tourism experiences” that enhance Bermuda’s overall tourism product, raise awareness of the Island, and ultimately get more tourists to visit Bermuda.

A total of $930,500 will be invested in the next 12 months, with sporting events picking up the largest proportion of funding.

More than $600,000 has been earmarked for 21 major attractions in the sporting calendar, including the Newport-Bermuda sailing race — which was awarded $150,000 — the World Rugby Classic, and the Bermuda Invitational celebrity golf tournament.

Other winners in the sports category include an annual Beach Tennis tournament at Horseshoe Bay, and a number of fishing tournaments.

And 11 cultural experiences have also received funding to the tune of $290,500, including historical re-enactments in St George’s, the City Fashion Festival and the Chewstick Lounge.

The Little Island Big Adventure eco tour group was the one organisation in the natural resources category to earn a grant, picking up $10,000 from the authority. Grants averaged just over $30,000.

The BTA will provide practical assistance to a further 12 organisations by marketing their products.

The authority invited applications from organisations and entrepreneurs involved in the tourism industry at the start of the year.

It planned to invest in events and experiences “that drive visitors to Bermuda and/or raise awareness of Bermuda, are in alignment with the Bermuda National Tourism Plan, demonstrate a significant impact on our tourism product, and promote the fundamental objectives of the Bermuda Tourism Authority”.

BTA Chief Product and Experiences Development Officer Pat Phillip-Fairn revealed that just ten percent of applicants received the full funding they requested, while 60 percent of proposals were rejected.

As a result, the BTA will be holding a series of workshops “to educate entrepreneurs and innovators on our research about current and target visitors”.

“We believe strongly some of the strongest ‘Tourism Experiences’ ideas will be home-grown,” said Mrs Phillip-Fairn.

“Our focus now is to equip those entrepreneurs and innovators with the knowledge needed to turn their incredible ideas into sharply focused business plans that align with the BTA’s overall objectives.”

According to the BTA, many proposals were rejected because they did not tie in with the objectives of the National Tourism Plan.

Too many proposals for a similar event at the same time of year was another reason for rejection.

Speaking of the BTA’s Lunch and Learn sessions to educate entrepreneurs and innovators on research about current and target visitors, Mrs Phillip-Fairn said: “The sessions will also give further insights into what comprises visitor experiences, so that local stakeholders can come up with creative ideas to help meet our goals for Bermuda’s tourism development.”

The full series will cover subject categories: Bermuda’s visitors, technology and social media and business planning.

A variety of sessions are tailor-made to empower entrepreneurs and innovators.

The first Lunch and Learn Session, ‘Bermuda’s Visitors — Understanding Expectations and Experiences’ will be held on Tuesday, May 20 at the BTA office.