Watersports firms feel the tourism squeeze

But bosses say they have started to see the first green shoots of recovery emerge in the 2011 season.

Tom Steinhoff, boss of Sea Venture, said he had already had group bookings from the U.S.

He said the future for the tourism industry relies on Bermuda attracting big hotels with superior marketing power.

Mr. Steinhoff added: “The last two years we have seen business go down by 50 per cent.

“But I would say we are showing strong hopes for the new season and a bit of a rebound.

“The first reservations have already started to come through which is a good sign and we have had some group bookings from the US.

“This time last year the weather was awful so it was a tough time. Last year we cut down on the equipment.

“I believe the key is getting the big hotels here that can market the opportunities properly.

“The Ritzs and the Marriotts – they are the ones who have the marketing power behind them that can bring in business.

“We can all have good summers but it is the spring and the fall that makes or breaks us.”

Tony Roache from Somerset Bridge Water Sports said he has tackled the recession by actively advertising in hotels and doing his own promotional work in Dockyard.

He added: “We really have to fight to get the custom coming in.

“We are getting ready for the summer now and we have high hopes that this will be a decent season.

“We faired pretty well last season — jet skis were very popular and we got a lot of business from the cruise ships.

“The thing for us is to be proactive. We have been going up to Dockyard and making sure people are aware of what we have to offer.

“Some companies have the monopoly on the cruise ships so it’s about getting up there and get them involved.

“The other side of this is getting our leaflets and flyers out to the hotels and the guest houses.

“I have been doing this for 20 years and you can not just sit back. The tourists are still there if you are prepared to go out and get them.”

Special report: Tourism

• Last chance to save tourism
• High-class hotels needed to hook wealthy travellers
• 'Success lies with well-heeled visitors'
• Promise of cruise business a cause for optimism
• Watersports firms feel the tourism squeeze
• Liveries slash number of bikes to rent
• Eateries cautiously optimistic for 2011
• Cruise ships are 'wiping out' mid-size hotels but there's reason for hope
• Ten ideas that might boost the industry
• One of our pressing needs in hospitality: good service
• Viewpoint: Has Bermuda lived up to expectations?
• Bermuda has to re-price itself into a niche market