By MICHAEL BAGINSKI/ More than 70 members of the Canadian travel trade turned out – or up, more accurately – for a Bermuda Tourism Authority event at the top of the CN Tower last week that, fittingly, offered the latest updates on what continues to make the mid-Atlantic island a top travel destination.
Key members of Bermuda’s business development team and island partners were on site for the final stop on the destination’s ‘One on One Bermuda’ spring sales roadshow, which followed similar stops in New York and Boston.
BTA director of sales Chris Keane emphasized the many longstanding Canada-Bermuda connections, and, in particular, increased air service from this country thanks to the launch of BermudAir flights from Toronto and Halifax in 2024.
Importantly, Keane noted to Travel Industry Today that the now nearly two-year-old service helps keep flight prices down by providing competition for Air Canada.
Almost as critical to the Canadian market is the ability to escape to year-round good weather in less than three hours.
“We’ve been blown away by the positive growth from Canada over the last year, and engaging local travel advisors, tour operators, and meeting planners continues to be a top priority for the BTA sales team,” said Keane. “Bermuda is preparing for a landmark tourism year in 2026 with expanded air connectivity, new hotel developments, and significant infrastructure investments designed to accommodate increased leisure and business travellers.”
Arrivals to Bermuda from Canada were up 30% last year, with leisure air visitors increasing from 9,698 in 2024 to 12,641 in 2025. The island’s momentum in the market is expected to continue in 2026 as projected air capacity from Canada is set to increase by 16% from Toronto, 51% from Montréal, and 72% from Halifax.
Bermuda’s tourism infrastructure will also benefit from the highly anticipated reopening of the Fairmont Southampton, one of the largest and most iconic properties on the island. The reopening will see hotel room inventory increase by 25% and will serve as a major milestone in enhancing Bermuda’s capacity to host major events, group business, and meet increased demand.
Bermuda incentive
The BTA team also provided travel advisors with an update on the new Bermuda Specialist Program. Launched earlier this year, the new sales and training platform is an easy and modern way for agents to build destination expertise, share Bermuda content with clients, and convert interest into bookings. Advisors who complete the program by April 30 will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a spot on a Trade FAM trip to Bermuda in Fall/Winter 2026. To register, click HERE
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