The East End division of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce is to hold an open house on Friday in St George’s on the night of the Bermuda National Trust Walkabout.

The Chamber welcomes anyone interested in business opportunities in Bermuda’s Unesco World Heritage Site to stop by the Pub on the Square building between 6pm and 9pm.

Belcario Thomas, East End division co-chairman, said: “Now is the time for entrepreneurs and established businesses to investigate the opportunities available in St George’s’s. We have a hotel opening in 2021, 19 cruise ship calls scheduled for 2020, a predicted increase in superyacht arrivals, and vacation rental properties within the parish providing the equivalent number of beds as a small hotel.”

He added: “Our objective on Friday evening is to demonstrate why the East End makes business sense for restaurateurs, retailers and investors.”

As well as Chamber representatives, Mr Thomas said the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation will be available to discuss concessions and assistance available to businesses within the East End Economic Empowerment Zone. Real estate agents will provide listings of properties available for rent or purchase, plus helpful tips regarding the availability of interest-free loans for listed buildings and how the Tourism Investment Act applies to properties.

Mr Thomas said: “By meeting business and property owners in the East End and having conversations, our intent is to demonstrate what is available and encourage interest by discussing the benefits of joining our business community.

“The Pub on the Square building, a grade 1 listed structure which dates from 1826, is a prime example of an opportunity waiting for investment, as it sits in an enviable location on busy King’s Square with a veranda looking across the town to St George’s Harbour.”

Refreshments will be available courtesy of Burrows Lightbourn Ltd and Brue Mae Café, the Chamber said.