Heritage and arts attractions were named among a group of successful applicants to receive support from the Bermuda Tourism Authority to help attract visitors and boost their enjoyment of the island.

A BTA spokesman said 16 candidates were chosen for the Experience Investment Programme’s first intake of 2023.

He added: “Launched in 2016, the programme is a vehicle to support tourism entrepreneurs to create innovative home-grown experiences that attract and elevate on-island experience for visitors.”

The spokesman said that those selected had proposals “aligned with specific criteria, including driving visitation to Bermuda during the non-summer months, showcasing the island's history and culture uniquely and innovatively, incorporating live entertainment, and unveiling the island’s culinary scene”.

He added: “These happenings will attract visitors, with some repurposing on-island venues to create authentically Bermudian experiences.”

The spokesman provided the names of the 16 successful candidates, which included Off De Hookah, Harbour Nights, St George’s Heritage Festival, Black Girls Pole Bermuda Retreat, Walk to Calvary, Bermudaful and Historical Walking Tour.

Nostalgic Moments, Lemon & Ginger, Moongate Brewing, Cirqle Circus, Motor Fest, Escape from Devils Isle, Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts, Sunjammers and Live (Motown on the Rock / Under the Star / Bermuda Soul) completed the list.

The spokesman said the BTA would not "release what each is receiving“.

Tracy Berkeley, the tourism authority’s chief executive, applauded all of the applicants and congratulated those that were successful.

She added: “The creation of this programme was to support local entrepreneurs and event producers keen on showcasing Bermuda and presenting the best of what our island has to offer.

“We are excited to see these experiences come to fruition and cannot wait for our visitors to enjoy them."

Tashae Thompson, the BTA’s vice-president of experiences, said: “Initiatives such as the Experience Investment Programme are extremely important to connecting visitors with our local partners.

“When Bermuda's residents actively engage in the industry, they bring a sense of authenticity and passion that cannot be replicated.

“This not only enhances the visitor experience but also creates a ripple effect of economic benefits for the community as a whole.

“As local involvement is a key driver of our National Tourism Plan, we encourage residents to continue to participate in these valuable programmes to ensure Bermuda maintains a sustainable and thriving tourism industry for years to come."

Another intake of the Experience Investment Programme is to open later this year.

• For more information, visitGoToBermuda.com.