Bermuda Hotels Enter the Value Fray, Keeping their Dignity Intact

The economic and travel slump has prompted hoteliers here to offer travel promotions, value-adds and targeted discounts, in some cases reaching consumers that might not have considered a vacation on Bermuda.

Bermuda’s tourism numbers dropped nearly 8 percent in the second quarter, to 203,061 visitors, and visitors staying in commercial accommodations dropped 16.5 percent.

Jon Crellin, general manager of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, which along with sister property the Fairmont Southampton constitutes the biggest block of hotel rooms on Bermuda, said that the hotels had not offered value packages during the summer season until this year.

A Travelzoo promotion that the Fairmont Southampton tested earlier this summer, for example, offered rates as low as $99 a night, down from more typical $300- to $500-per-night rates. More than 15,000 room nights were booked as a result, Crellin said.

The Fairmonts were also part of a group of hotels participating in a 400th Anniversary promotion, which offered up to a $400 resort credit for a four-night stay. According to Ewart Brown, the island’s premier, the offer produced an incremental 15,164 room nights as of June 30.

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