Every member of the public is invited to a series of information sessions next week to get familiarised with the recently released National Tourism Plan. Three free forums will take place in the west, east and central parts of the island to increase convenience for residents. • Mon., Dec 3 | 6-7:30pm, Port Royal Golf Course Clubhouse

• Wed., Dec 5 | 6-7:30pm, Grotto Bay Beach Resort, Hibiscus Room, Lower Lobby

• Thurs., Dec 6 | 5:30-7pm, Wesley Methodist Church, 41 Church Street

The Bermuda National Tourism Plan was unveiled at the Bermuda Tourism Summit last month. It details the country’s roadmap to success for a balanced and growing tourism sector through 2025. One of the seven major pillars of the plan is “Local Involvement”, underscoring that tourism cannot thrive without the participation and support of local residents.

“Hundreds of local stakeholders contributed to the creation of the National Tourism Plan and it’s very clear that successful execution of the plan will require even wider collaboration,” said Bermuda Tourism Authority Chief Executive Kevin Dallas. “The Bermuda Tourism Authority considers it an important part of its responsibility to lead an open and inclusive dialogue about the future of tourism in our country.”

In each of the information sessions local stakeholders will talk about how the plan impacts their area of the tourism sector. In the first session on December 3, Sean Tucker, chairman of the National Sports Centre and John and Alison Young of Ledgelets Cottage Colony will participate in a panel discussion. Additionally, researchers will provide an explanation of the plan and Minister of Tourism & Transport Zane DeSilva will offer remarks. Each session will follow a similar format, with a rotating cast of local stakeholders. There will be a question and answer session at the end.

Anyone interested in attending the free information sessions should pre-register online at GoToBermuda.com/BTA. An abridged version of the National Tourism Plan is also available online and attendees are encouraged to review it ahead of time. It explains the six success indicators Bermuda aspires to achieve by 2025 and the seven strategic pillars that are designed to guide tourism and tourism-related communities to achieving these success indicators.

• Press release from the Bermuda Tourism Authority