www.Aviawest.com
Bermuda falls off the tourist trail
It’s hard to imagine that any country that was “discovered” and then colonized back in 1640 could somehow find itself falling off the beaten track, but apparently that’s what has happened to the lovely island of Bermuda.
This small island, north of the Caribbean and east of Georgia and Carolina in the continental USA, has somehow conspired to find itself slipping into obscurity. The tiny garden island, only 20 miles long and about two miles wide, has been a tourist destination longer than just about any other place in the world.
When discovered by the Spanish and then colonized by the British 400 years ago, the island immediately became a vacation spot for British bureaucrats and those few travellers lucky enough to enjoy some time here. The dazzling pink sand beaches (caused by a tiny organism that lives in the coral reefs) and mild climate served as a magnet for those who could afford to come.
Recently the island evolved into a scuba destination and a golf mecca, something of a huge country club, immaculately landscaped and perfectly manicured. The richest of the rich from Britain and the United States made it their second home.
All of the island’s harbours and bays became chock-a-block with expensive yachts and fancy sailboats, and the island’s golf courses required reservations well in advance. Cruise ships lined up to berth at the islands three major ports and tourists flocked forth to buy trinkets.
But then came 9/11 followed by a global recession and a strange thing happened. Many of the rich stopped travelling and the middle class found itself economically strapped and tourism to Bermuda began to dwindle. The United States economy continues to falter today, and so does travel to expensive Bermuda.
Luckily most of the island’s hotels and infrastructure was put into place decades ago, so accommodations and attractions are still in great condition for those lucky people who can still afford to go. Occupancy levels, however, are way down in the Garden Isle these days. This means that those with a penchant for bargaining can find themselves some good deals. A very high-end hotel (along with very high-end service and excellent food) can be found at very reasonable levels by those willing to look.
The quality of the environment and customer service has never varied. Bermuda remains one of the most beautiful island destinations on the planet. Homes and hotels are painted various subtle shades of pastel, gardens flourish, and the sun shines most days. Golf courses are everywhere, and all the discerning tourist needs to do is bring along a fat wallet or big purse and be expected to open it a bit more often than usual.
- Photos & text by Michael McCarthy©
