Bermuda’s Travel Surge, How Fewer Tourists Are Now Spending More Than Ever, Discover What’s Driving The Island’s Tourism Boom

In 2025, Bermuda faced a marked decrease in tourist visits, with the number of travelers dropping by nearly 10%. However, despite this decline in the volume of tourists, the total visitor spending on the island increased substantially, reaching $550 million. This rise in spending signals a change in the dynamics of Bermuda’s tourism industry, with visitors spending more on average per trip. According to the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s Year-End Report, while air arrivals decreased to 199,193 and cruise tourism saw a 12.7% drop, the spending per visitor rose significantly. This spending boost contributed an extra $18 million in 2025 compared to 2024.

The Effects of Lower Arrivals on Bermuda’s Tourism Sector

The drop in air arrivals and cruise tourism caused significant concern within the tourism sector of Bermuda. The decrease in air arrivals to only 199,193 travelers suggested that fewer tourists were opting for long-haul flights to visit the island. This decline posed potential risks to the local economy, as air arrivals often contribute significantly to tourism-related revenues. Additionally, cruise tourism—which has been a large source of visitors for the island—also experienced a 12.7% decline. This dual reduction in both air and cruise tourism raised fears about a long-term decline in visitor numbers. However, despite these challenges, the increase in spending per visitor played a crucial role in maintaining the island’s tourism revenue, highlighting that even with fewer visitors, the economic impact remained positive.

A Sharp Increase in Spending

One of the most significant findings from the Year-End Report was the dramatic increase in visitor spending. While the number of visitors was down, those who did travel to Bermuda spent far more than in previous years. In total, visitor expenditure surged to $550 million—an increase of about $18 million from the previous year. This growth in spending was primarily attributed to higher expenditures on accommodation, excursions, and a growing trend of superyacht visits to the island. The presence of superyachts brought in wealthy visitors, willing to spend more on luxurious experiences. Moreover, Canadian tourism saw a significant rise in 2025, with an increasing number of Canadian travelers choosing Bermuda as a prime vacation destination, which further boosted the overall spending figures.

Hurricane Season Challenges and Their Impact on Travel Logistics

The year 2025 was not without its challenges, as the hurricane season disrupted both air and cruise transportation to Bermuda. These weather disruptions led to logistical difficulties, affecting the number of travelers arriving by air and causing delays in cruise schedules. Despite these disruptions, Bermuda’s tourism industry was able to maintain a relatively steady flow of visitors through targeted marketing efforts. The island’s tourism authorities focused on engaging travelers and offering special promotions to encourage visits during the off-peak months, when the impact of the hurricane season was more pronounced. This strategy helped to maintain tourist interest and keep the island on travelers’ radar, even amidst challenging conditions.

Increased Accommodation Capacity on the Horizon

Looking forward to 2026, Bermuda is set to see an increase in accommodation capacity. The reopening of hotels and the expansion of the island’s lodging offerings are expected to improve the overall visitor experience. With the addition of new hotel properties and the refurbishment of existing ones, the island will be better equipped to handle a larger influx of tourists. This increase in accommodation capacity is expected to help boost visitor numbers and offer a wider range of options for both high-end and budget-conscious travelers. Moreover, the rise in luxury tourism is likely to drive demand for upscale accommodations, which will appeal to visitors looking for more exclusive and premium experiences.

A Shift Toward Luxury Tourism

Bermuda’s tourism market is clearly moving toward a more luxury-focused model. The increase in spending per visitor suggests that travelers are opting for more high-end experiences while visiting the island. With fewer tourists choosing to travel to Bermuda, the island’s hospitality industry is focusing more on offering exclusive, luxury experiences for those who do choose to visit. The growing trend of luxury tourism is becoming evident, with high-end accommodations and exclusive excursions becoming key components of Bermuda’s tourism strategy. This shift signals that Bermuda is positioning itself as a premier destination for affluent travelers seeking unique, high-value experiences. As part of this trend, travelers can expect more tailored travel packages, luxury hotel options, and specialized excursions to cater to the increasing demand for curated, exclusive tourism experiences.

Global Implications of Reduced Visitor Numbers

Bermuda’s decline in visitor numbers is reflective of broader global trends in the tourism industry, where many travelers are becoming more selective about their travel destinations. The rise in spending per visitor in Bermuda highlights a growing preference for personalized and premium experiences over traditional mass tourism. This shift towards customized experiences is a trend that is evident worldwide, with travelers increasingly seeking out more tailored vacations rather than opting for large-scale, conventional tourism. As a result, destinations like Bermuda may see fewer tourists in total, but the spending power of those who do visit could increase substantially. International travelers may find themselves paying higher prices for more exclusive travel experiences, which could benefit locations like Bermuda, as they cater to a high-net-worth clientele.

The Path Forward for Bermuda’s Tourism Industry

Despite the challenges posed by the hurricane season, airline difficulties, and the decline in cruise tourism, Bermuda’s tourism sector has managed to remain resilient. Targeted marketing efforts have proven successful in maintaining visitor numbers, and the increase in Canadian tourism helped offset some of the losses. As luxury tourism continues to grow, Bermuda is likely to focus its future tourism strategies on providing high-quality experiences that cater to a more exclusive, high-spending audience. The expected reopening of hotels and the expansion of accommodation options in 2026 are anticipated to further strengthen the tourism sector, allowing the island to attract more visitors and boost overall revenue.

Key Insights:

• Visitor numbers dropped by nearly 10% in 2025.
• Visitor spending surged to $550 million, an increase of $18 million from 2024.
• Air arrivals fell to 199,193, and cruise tourism saw a 12.7% decrease.
• Canadian tourism growth played a key role in boosting spending.
• Hurricane season disruptions created challenges for both air and cruise transport.
• Bermuda anticipates hotel reopenings and expanded accommodation options in 2026.

The Changing Tourism Landscape in Bermuda

As Bermuda moves into 2026, the island is adapting to an evolving global tourism landscape. The decline in total visitor numbers may lead to more selective tourism, with a focus on attracting affluent travelers who are seeking unique, high-quality experiences. The expansion of accommodation options and the anticipated hotel reopenings are expected to provide visitors with more variety, which could lead to a more sustainable and healthier tourism sector. Bermuda‘s strategy to position itself as a luxury destination is likely to continue as the island focuses on high-value, tailored experiences for those seeking exclusive travel options. Despite facing challenges in 2025, Bermuda remains well-positioned to continue attracting a select group of tourists who prioritize exceptional experiences, ensuring that the island stays competitive in the global travel market.

Embracing the Future of Tourism

Bermuda’s mixed results in 2025 reflect a shift in the broader global travel industry, with tourists becoming more selective and inclined toward personalized, luxury travel experiences. While the decline in visitor numbers posed a challenge, the rise in spending per visitor has ensured the island remains economically resilient. Moving forward, Bermuda will need to continue adapting to the changing preferences of travelers, with a focus on attracting high-value tourists and offering exclusive, high-end experiences. The anticipated growth in accommodation capacity and the reopening of hotels will further enhance the island’s ability to cater to an increasingly sophisticated market, positioning Bermuda as a premier destination for luxury travelers.

The post Bermuda’s Travel Surge, How Fewer Tourists Are Now Spending More Than Ever, Discover What’s Driving The Island’s Tourism Boom appeared first on Travel And Tour World.