A series of new tours are set to launch this summer in St George as part of an effort to highlight East End businesses.

Kristin White, the owner of gift store and tour centre Long Story Short, said the new trips were created in partnership with electric bicycle rental business Pedego and fellow tour group Wild Plants and Herbs of Bermuda

Ms White said that people who took part in firm’s bicycle tours could now “upgrade” to electric bicycles from Pedego, which would help guests who might scared to tackle the hills of St George’s.

Michael Paynter, the owner of Pedego, said: “Over the last year, as we’ve expanded our fleet, we’ve also been sure to increase our focus to better include the local market rather than solely visitors and partnering with people like Kristin has been a key part of that, increasing our exposure.

“With our electric bikes, Kristin can expand her tours to the wider St George’s Parish. It’s a win-win for both of us.”

Ms White will also offer two new tours in partnership with Wild Plants and Herbs of Bermuda, including an excursion for Viking Cruises passengers and a hybrid town and nature tour.

Ms White said: “Doreen Williams-James, the owner of Wild Plants and Herbs, is such a treasure.

“I’ve taken her foraging tour myself several times and always walk away with something new. I’ve been talking to her about doing a joint experience for a while, so I’m very excited that 2021 will finally see this happen.”

The History and Foraging tour, to be held every weekend, is a small-group, half day experience including a history tour in St George and a Pedego electric bicycle ride to Cooper’s island for a foraging tour

Ms White said the Viking Cruise excursion, which includes a history tour of St George and a talk by Ms Williams-James at the Old Rectory, is already sold out.

She said: “This is a definite affirmation for me that I am heading in the right direction with my tours by partnering with other businesses to ensure our participants receive a multifaceted experience.

“I hope the History and Foraging tour will also prove to be popular, with both visitors and residents.”

Ms White will also offer a weekly Town Tour, highlighting history, art and shopping in St George.

She said the effort to launch the new tours was bolstered by the Bermuda Tourism Authority, who provided investment funding.

She said: “Receiving this funding meant the partnerships formed to provide new tours can consistently operate as our visitor numbers increase.

“I could go ahead with tours for the summer season, and also do some forward planning for the fall/winter period, when I’ll look to reintroduce my Haunted History tour and perhaps add a minicar tour as well.”

Tashae Thompson, the assistant director of experience development at the BTA, said: “We salute Kristin and her associates on a thoughtfully developed slate of adventures that will create jobs and unforgettable moments for our visitors.”

The new tours begin in mid-June, and can be booked at www.longstoryshort.life/tours.