Business backs plan to increase St George visitors
New plans to attract more visitors to the Town of St George have been strongly backed by the town’s businesses.
This week, the Chamber of Commerce unveiled its Bermuda Breeze scheme, which will include a market in King’s Square, live entertainment in Water Street and a new Wayfinder app to guide visitors around the town.
At the launch, the chamber’s chief executive, Danielle Riviere, said: “Our goal is to make sure that visitors have the opportunity to have a wonderful experience in the Town of St George.”
Dennie O’Conner, the owner of The White Horse Pub and Restaurant in the town, said the Bermuda Breeze initiative was “a breath of fresh air, promising to inject new energy and vitality into this historic town”.
He added: “By creating a vibrant market in King’s Square, bringing live entertainment to Water Street, and showcasing local entrepreneurs, Bermuda Breeze will transform the heart of St George into a bustling hub of activity.”
The St George’s Stakeholder Committee, a group of business representatives, also backed the plan.
It said that for years the organisation had championed increased transportation, live entertainment and better wayfinding.
A spokeswoman for the group added: “The majority of us are small business owners with limited resources and although we preferred to focus on ensuring our businesses were thriving and meeting the needs of our community, we were spending a great deal of time applying for grants, scheduling entertainment, scraping for funding, writing press releases and organising meetings with key government officials.
“It has been our longstanding opinion that this was not our role, and that what was needed was an organisation that could provide the town with leadership, funding and ongoing strategic management and direction.
“Thus, we are very pleased to welcome this new initiative, Bermuda Breeze, as it is exactly what we have been saying is needed for some time.”
She said: “The Chamber of Commerce saw the gap that existed, was able to find funding, and advocate effectively for the swift removal of red tape that so often holds up projects like these.
“Most importantly, the chamber has dedicated staff to ensure the experience is offered consistently.
“We appreciate all of the work that has gone into making this possible and look forward to a fun-filled and abundant summer season.”
Dennie O’Connor, the owner of The White Horse Pub and Restaurant, said he thought the Bermuda Breeze plan created exciting opportunities for both existing entrepreneurs and those just starting their journey.
“This initiative provides a platform for these hardworking individuals, whether seasoned business owners or innovative newcomers, to showcase their unique products,” he said.
“By collaborating with entrepreneurs at all stages and supporting their growth, we can ensure the soul of St George shines through in every aspect of Bermuda Breeze.
“The market, staffed by the Chamber of Commerce, offers a much needed boost for vendors from across the island. With activities starting before the ferries arrive, Bermuda Breeze ensures St George is alive and welcoming, enticing tourists to linger longer and explore all the town has to offer.
“This is a win-win for both businesses in St George and vendors from further afield, fostering a dynamic mix of established favourites and fresh talent.”
He added: “To maximise the initiative's impact, we must focus on encouraging ferry passengers to flow through the town.
“Currently, we’re losing 50 per cent of visitors to tours and attractions just outside St George.
“By relocating pick-up and drop-off points within the town, we can naturally guide visitors to patronise our local businesses and experiences.
“Offering enticing promotions and experiences along these routes will further incentivise exploration, keeping visitors in the town and supporting the local economy.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to the tourism minister Owen Darrell for supporting this forward-thinking concept and to the transport minister for adding the ferry service, which is crucial for the initiative's success.
“The Chamber of Commerce plays the most important vital role in driving this initiative forward. With their connections and commitment to supporting local businesses, they will be a positive force in keeping the Olde Towne alive and thriving.
“By embracing collaboration with both new and established entrepreneurs, we will undoubtedly go far.”
Mr O’Connor said the Wayfinding App was “a brilliant touch, empowering tourists to explore St George at their own pace and discover its hidden gems”.
“This technology, combined with the commitment to enhance transportation options for the East End, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to making St George easily accessible for all visitors.
“This initiative is a shining example of how to breathe new life into St George while remaining true to its roots and fostering a bright future.
“I truly hope to see big and small companies come on board and support us.”
Mr O’Connor said with things like the new marina, Tobacco Bay upgrades, investment in the St Regis hotel, Marico Thomas’s investment in the Three Kings restaurant that “this is only the beginning”.
“I do feel St George will be the hotspot in years to come.”
Terry Roberts, the owner of Paradise Gift Shop, in St George, also welcomed the idea saying it would be “an asset for the town”.
He said he saw a guitarist on Water Street who was “excellent” and added of the Breeze initiative: “It will draw the attention of the tourists.
“We lost the stocks from the square when they were moved, so having a market and events there will be a welcome addition,” added Mr Roberts.
Bermuda Breeze, which officially started on Monday, will operate for six days a week for the next 179 days.
Market stalls will be staffed by chamber officials and will sell products from vendors from across the island. Activities will kick-off early to ensure a vibrant atmosphere as ferries arrive.
Bermuda Breeze was the brainchild of the Chamber of Commerce and is being supported by the Bermuda Tourism Authority, the ministries of transport and tourism and the Corporation of St George.
Launching the scheme, the transport minister Wayne Furbert said: “We are thrilled to support the Bermuda Breeze initiative, which creates a vibrant and memorable experience for visitors who travel by ferry to explore the historic town.”
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