Travel agents treated to the best of Bermuda

The Canadian agents varied from leisure travel agents to group and niche market specialists.

They crisscrossed the Island, taking in Bermuda’s events, culture, scenery, cuisine and other tourism offerings, a spokesman for the department said.

The agents were hosted at Bermuda Hotel Association (BHA) partner hotels, she added.

The visit was part of a series of events over the past few weeks focused on the North American tourism market.

On Saturday, the BDOT’s annual North American Tour Operator summit kicked off.

Visiting wholesalers, mainly from the U.S., were treated to industry trade shows, island tours, museum exhibitions, restaurant and nightlife samplings during their stay.

The summit, hosted at the Fairmont Southampton concluded yesterday.

Attendees included the largest producers of business to the Island, with representatives of companies such as Expedia, Travelocity, Gogo Vacations, Jetblue, Air Canada, WestJet and Travel Impressions.

A group of London taxi drivers, who have been advertising the island, were also present.

The spokesman added: “The cabbies have spent the last six months driving their pink Bermuda cabs around London, and following the trip they’ll be able to tell customers first hand all about the Island.”

Cabbie Mark Williams, from Islington, U.K., said: “Driving a bright pink cab always causes a stir, with people taking photos and asking questions so it’s great that I’ll be able to have a conversation about the destination that I am advertising.

“Bermuda looks like a beautiful place.”