In a television programme debuting today, the Bermuda Tourism Authority explains its desire for more amenities at Bermuda’s public beaches in order to meet the demands of visitors.

According to a press release, the BTA formed an internal Beach Economy Working Group earlier this year, to come up with strategies to balance new entrepreneurial activities on the shoreline with environmental sensitivities.

In the New Year, recommendations will be presented to the Ministry of Public Works, which has oversight of Bermuda’s beaches.

BTA CEO Bill Hanbury, who is leading the BTA’s working group, stated: “All of our major competitors have better beach products than we have — at least when it comes to amenities.

“Our competitors don’t have the same kind of beaches we have — we have the best beaches in the world — but we don’t have amenities on those beaches. We need to change that.

“It’s an opportunity for young Bermudian entrepreneurs to create jobs and generate economic impact for the country.”

Andy Burrows, the BTA’s chief investment officer, who also sits on the working group, said: “You can go to many places in the world where they have very successful, sustainable beach economies. I think we can do the same thing here, but we have to come together and do it in a long-term, sustainable and economic way.”

The comments on Bermuda’s beach economy are made in the BTA’s public affairs programme called Tourism Forward. It airs on local television at 8pm today and is also available online now at the BTA’s Vimeo Channel.

The internal working group is using consumer data research to guide its purpose. Members of the group have also met with a cross-section of local beach concessionaires to gather their input.

The press release reports that BTA officials support the idea that meeting visitors’ expectations do not necessarily require new construction on undeveloped beaches, but enhancing existing beach concession facilities is a must. Entrepreneurs would be tasked with providing the services and putting people to work.

“Whether it’s a restaurant, whether it’s a cabana, whether it’s a snorkel shop on the beach or providing umbrellas and towels, those kinds of economic opportunities we believe should be pursued by government and we think it can be done where you properly balance the economy and properly balance the environment,” Mr Hanbury said.