Restaurant Weeks 2022 will be extended until the end of February in an effort to bolster the restaurant business.

The annual event was scheduled to end tomorrow, but the Bermuda Tourism Authority said that the promotion would continue until February 28 in the wake of the Government’s decision to relax SafeKey requirements for restaurants.

Charles Jeffers II, the BTA CEO, said: “The easing of restaurant entry restrictions is great news for tourism. The restaurant sector is a key part of our tourism product, and this will give the industry a much needed jolt to jump-start the recovery for 2022.

“We will continue to market on-island experiences such as Restaurant Weeks and invite both visitors and locals to explore the inventive Bermuda-themed menus and enjoy the island’s famed hospitality.”

A BTA spokeswoman added that of the 40 restaurants that signed up to participate in this year’s event, 35 had agreed to continue to offer special fixed price menus until the end of the month.

Shannon Simons, the owner and executive chef at Thyme in Paget, said: “Restaurant Weeks has been a blessing to our business this winter.

“Our bookings have surged, and we have seen sold-out weekends. Our regulars and first-time patrons have raved about the special Bermuda-inspired offers.

“So, news that the SafeKey requirement has been lifted at the same time Restaurant Weeks has been extended is exciting news for the Thyme team and our guests.”

Thyme restaurant has added a special wine tasting add-on to the Restaurant Weeks menu for the Valentine’s Day weekend.

The BTA has also asked the public to share their Restaurant Weeks experience on social media with the hashtag #BermudaRW.

A list of participating restaurants and menu details are available on the BTA website.