Destination knowledge is critical to your job as a travel consultant—perhaps now more than ever. It is so important to differentiate yourself in the travel industry. Specialization and immersion in a region—particularly one in a nearby country—can help you do that.
Clients rely on your expertise to find their perfect vacation destinations. Our practical tip of the week, then, is to take a peek at Bermuda.
For a more comprehensive study of this popular country in the Atlantic—and to expand your knowledge about the islands in the Caribbean—enroll in our online The Caribbean – A Destination Specialist Course. If you have Premium Access to our vast Library, the course already is included at no charge as part of your benefits! If you don’t have access to all the Destination and Niche Market courses contained in the Premium Access Library, sign up today.
Premium Access also includes all recorded and live webinars like This Is Bermuda, presented March 13, 2023 at 1:00 pm (EST) by the Bermuda Tourism Authority. Enroll today for this popular presentation!
Bermuda’s Nine Parishes
In 1616, the islands were surveyed and divided into tribes (shares of land), each one named after a member of the original Bermuda Company. These tribes are today’s nine parishes. From west to east the parishes are:
Sandys:
- Port for mega ships, westernmost parish
- Bermuda Arts Centre, showcases Bermuda artists
- National Museum of Bermuda, artifacts from the Sea Venture
- Casemate Barracks in the Dockyard
- Clocktower Mall, shopping center at Dockyard
- Dolphin Quest, swim with dolphins at Dockyard
- Royal Naval Dockyard, port, entertainment and shopping complex
- Somerset Village, one of Bermuda’s five main settlements
- Somerset Bridge, world’s smallest drawbridge
Southampton:
- Church Bay, a public beach for snorkeling
- Horseshoe Bay, the most photographed beach
- Gibbs Hill Lighthouse (built in 1846), the tallest Bermuda structure with 185 steps to the top
Warwick:
- Two fine public golf courses
- Cliffs and beaches on the south shore
- Long Bay Beach
Paget:
- Botanical Gardens with an orchid house, fruit groves, and formal gardens
- Camden House, historic house in typical Bermudian architecture
- Hungry Bay, national park and nature reserve
- King Edward VII Memorial Hospital
- Salt Kettle Peninsula, a ferry terminal
Pembroke, with Hamilton, the capital and a port:
- City Hall, seat of government
- Fort Hamilton
- Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, sponsor of the Newport-to-Bermuda race.
- Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute
Devonshire:
- Arboretum
- National Sports Center
- U.S. Consulate General
Smith’s:
- Devil’s Hole, sinkhole that forms a natural aquarium
- Harrington Sound, for fishing, sailing, kayaking, and viewing
- Spittal Pond, island’s largest nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary
- Verdmont Historic House & Gardens, manor house unchanged since the late 1700s
Hamilton Parish: (different from the site of the city)
- Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo
- Crystal Caves, natural limestone caves
- Flatt’s Village, one of Bermuda’s five main settlements
- Mangrove Lake
- Swizzle Inn
St. George’s:
- Port
- Bermuda National Trust Museum
- Former U.S. Naval Air Station, Lighthouse Hill, the Natural Arches
- Tucker’s Town, one of Bermuda’s five main settlements
- King’s Square in St. George’s, designated World Heritage Site
- Forts surrounding St. George’s
- St. Peter’s Church (1617), oldest Anglican Church in the Western Hemisphere
Exploring new destinations and niche markets is always a good idea. Remember that being a specialist makes YOU special to your clients!
