Bermuda Tourism Authority have advised that hotel and guesthouse bookings are still available during the America’s Cup which takes place from the last week of May through June.

“While some dates are sold out, Bermuda still has hotel rooms available to welcome more visitors,” said Victoria Isley, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for the BTA.

“In order to accommodate as many visitors that want to experience Bermuda, the Tourism Authority worked with hotel partners and Travel Places (the official Travel Package provider for the America’s Cup) to create a one-stop shop for hotel availability by day.

“Hotel bookings for June 2017 are 32 per cent ahead of where they were at this point last year, which signals strong performance for one of the busiest tourism months for the island. We want to keep that up and maximise the experience for visitors and economic benefit for Bermuda.”

The BTA have listed their top ten tips for those who are still seeking accommodation on the island during the sailing event:

Tip 1 — Bermuda Tourism Authority Clearing House

If you are challenged in finding preferable dates, number of hotel rooms or availability, contact the Bermuda Tourism Authority at hotels@bermudatourism.com. A team member will research and respond to your request directly. Based upon availability, you will then be connected to a hotel partner or Travel Places for pricing options and booking. Note: For new reservations only.

Tip 2 — Official spectator hotel packages

At www.americascuptravel.com travellers will receive personalised attention and recommendations for date patterns and race schedules from Travel Places, the official travel package provider for the America’s Cup. Representing just under 30 per cent of hotel inventory on the island, Official Spectator Hotel Packages include five and seven-night hotel stays, airport transfers and spectator boat experiences starting at $1,820 per person for the Qualifier Races.

Tip 3 — Book with hotels directly and check for minimum night stays

Consider booking directly with Bermuda’s hotels. Many consumers use online travel agencies to do research and scope availability, but during major world events, many properties choose to sell their inventory direct to consumers via their own website and reservations systems. Take advantage of this room inventory and book as soon as you see availability. There is very little inventory remaining for the finals weekend. Be sure to check each hotel for minimum night stay requirements. You may need to alter your check-in and checkout dates slightly due to some stay restrictions or rate requirements. Find

a comprehensive list of Bermuda’s properties at http://www.gotobermuda.com/places-to-stay.

Tip 4 — See all six teams in the first two weeks

Celebrate Bermuda Day, American Memorial Day (the start of the summer vacation season) and opt for the first two weeks of sailing. It’s the only time to catch all six America’s Cup teams in action on the Great Sound, Bermuda’s natural amphitheatre. It’s a great introduction to the world of America’s Cup racing and there will be plenty of excitement to go around. You may even be able to find room blocks for small groups during these dates.

Tip 5 — Look for open race day patterns

With Bermuda named as one top places to travel in 2017 by the likes of Travel + Leisure, Lonely Planet and Frommer’s, the island is worth discovering even for those visitors who aren’t into sailing. Avoid the crowds and experience Bermuda’s every day beauty on days without official America’s Cup sailing on the schedule. Here are a few to consider:

Monday, June 12-Friday, June 16 — Superyacht Regatta & Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Qualifiers; Monday, June 19-Friday June 23 — J Class Regatta, Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Finals and free days

Tip 6 — Book stylish catamaran packages for on-the-water accommodations

Experience the America’s Cup and Bermuda on a spacious and stylish catamaran with a private skipper through Helm Events, and The Moorings. Both are America’s Cup official charter yacht suppliers. Each company offers up to seven night packages that include accommodations, breakfast, lunch and onwater access to race viewing. Other packages include a personal captain, gourmet chef and fully stocked bar. Go to: www.moorings.com/regattas-and-events/americas-cup-bermuda-yacht-charter and

www.helmevents.com/the-experience.

Tip 7 — Visit www.gotobermuda.com for America’s Cup information

An informative America’s Cup hub was launched on gotobermuda.com, the official travel resource for Bermuda. It features fun facts, maps, where to buy tickets, a race calendar and the most up to date information that will assist in navigating the island before and during your trip.

Tip 8 — Use a travel professional

Confer with a travel professional or travel agent for assistance. Bermuda is a preferred destination by Virtuoso and Signature travel networks. A travel advisor can help do a lot of the heavy lifting and research on your behalf and can provide additional services and recommendations as well.

Tip 9 — Support Conquer Cancer Foundation

The Conquer Cancer Foundation (CCF) of the American Society of Clinical Oncology is the official cancer charity of the America’s Cup. It is offering CCF VIP Experience Packages over America’s Cup that will support the foundation and help and grants to researchers worldwide. The per package donation amount is $40,000 which includes round-trip business class airfare for two, a five-day, four-night trip with preferred access to the America’s Cup Match, presented by Louis Vuitton on June 24 and 25, first class accommodations at Hamilton Princess and Beach Club and much more. For more information:

www.conquer.org/AmericasCup

Tip 10 – Discover all Bermuda has to offer

There are plenty of opportunities to soak up events and happenings across the island. Consider these other events taking place throughout May and June: Antigua to Bermuda Race, May 12-24; Bermuda Day and Bermuda Day Parade, May 24; ? Rendezvous Tall Ships Bermuda, June 1-4; Marion to Bermuda Race, June 12-17; Bermuda Heroes Weekend and Carnival, June 16-19