How to GREATLY Boost Winter Visitors to Bermuda - Snowbirds!
From "Suggestions to stimulate economic recovery for Bermudians once Shelter in Place ends"
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This idea will boost Bermuda’s upcoming fall/winter visitor numbers – and possibly for many years to come. It will require no new funding – just a slight re-focus for Tourism marketing dollars.
The Snowbird traveler?
Snowbird: US retirees who can afford to travel/migrate south during the cold winter months.
I have been visiting the Yuma Regional Medical Center (hospitals) in Yuma, AZ for the last 2 years. Yuma is a city of 100,000 – but during the winter months of November to April the city population doubles to 200,000 for that 5-6 month period.
Bermuda is perfectly situated to market to, and compete with Florida to attract Northeast snowbirds - if we provide the right environment and incentives. We have empty hotels and guest houses during the winter months, and our Airbnb market has dried up.
When I visit Yuma during these winter months I either have to wait until after 7:30pm to go for dinner, or eat in the hotel. The reason is because all of the restaurants and bars in Yuma have queues of "snowbirds" outside waiting to be seated – every single night of the week!
Snowbirds stay for 3-4 months on average, and the boost to the whole economy of Yuma is unbelievable.
For example, every year the Medical Center / Hospital has to double their staff by importing temporary doctors, nurses, assistants, etc., during those months. The hospital thrives on the new income derived from their snowbirds.
You will see in the attached report the very positive impact on Yuma’s tax revenues.
Bermuda could easily fill up our hotels, guest houses and rental apartments from November to March every year! We create a Bermuda community of snowbirds.
Remember our thriving college weeks of the 1970’ & 80’s – well those same individuals are now our snowbird targets!