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By Keith Archibald Forbes (see About Us) exclusively for Bermuda Online
To refer to this file use "bermuda-online.org/accomm1.htm" as your Subject.
January. Bermuda has the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in the world, following the release of Government figures. The Island’s total GDP – the market value of all the goods and services produced – rose by 9.1 percent in 2005, driven upwards chiefly by the expansion of the international business sector. Bermuda’s total GDP was estimated at $4.857 billion – or a remarkable $76,403 per head. According to the Central Intelligence Agency World Factbook web-site, that puts Bermuda at the top of the GDP per capita global league table, with second-placed Luxembourg more than $10,000 behind in 2005. In comparison, the US had a GDP per capita over the same year of $41,600, Canada $33,900 and the UK $30,100. The figures showed substantial rises in the output of construction, tourism, business services and real estate, as well as international business. But the output of the retail sector saw only a slight rise – a decline after inflation was taken into account. A loss of 218 retails jobs reflected the closure of Trimingham’s and the sector was also hit by a 14 percent increase in overseas spending by residents. Inflation hit 3.1 percent for the year in terms of the Consumer Price Index, the rise in the price of a fixed “shopping basket” of goods. But in GDP calculations a different measure, known as economy-wide inflation, is used. This figure, which takes into account changing consumption patterns, rather than using the fixed-list method, hit 4.3 percent in 2005. A statement from Government’s Economic Statistics and National Accounts Division said international business, the biggest employer on the Island, had contributed more than $1 billion directly to the GDP, as output increased by 13.9 percent. That figure was bolstered by a wave of start-up insurance companies, established here in the wake of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. The storms caused billions of dollars worth of damage and boosted demand for reinsurance. The figures also reflect the wider importance of international business to the Island’s economy. “This was reflected in the output of the business activities industry, including computer, accounting and legal services, which grew 12.7 percent,” the Government release said. “The output of the financial services industry jumped 16.9 percent reflecting strong demand from international business and the local economy.” Construction continued to boom in 2005, as its output increased by 21.3 percent, fuelled by demand for commercial office space from the international business and financial sectors. The industry contributed $330.9 million to the GDP and construction was also the biggest generator of new jobs, as it added 264 new employees, a rise in the payroll of eight percent. “Demand for construction services was also vibrant in the hotel industry for both fractional hotel units, such as condominium complexes, and standard hotel structures,” the Government release added. “Steady building development of educational facilities, in both the private and public sector, also contributed to the buoyant construction activity in 2005.” Rental commercial and residential property was the major contributor to real estate output which rose by 10.3 percent to $730.5 million. Output in the tourism sector rose 12.6 percent in 2005, helped by the first full year back in operation for some of the major hotels that were forced to close after the havoc wreaked by Hurricane Fabian in 2003. Visitor numbers increased by 8.3 percent, driven by a 20.1 percent rise in cruise ship arrivals. Landscaping was another boom industry, with nearly 600 people (almost one percent of the population) employed as gardeners. It helped the agricultural, forestry and fishing sector’s output climb by 2.5 percent. The fire which temporarily closed down the Belco plant in the summer of 2005 was the main reason why the electricity and water supply sector was the only one to report a lower dollar output.
With Bermuda's small size of only 21 square miles, visitors should note there are no youth hostels, YWCAs or YMCAs.
Visitors to Bermuda on a cruise ship who are not passengers for the return journey should not attempt to enter Bermuda without a confirmed reservation in writing from a recognized place to stay, or from a private home which can be verified, without a passport and valid return ticket for an onward or return journey in three weeks or less. Some travelers have had serious problems for not following this mandate. Nor should they attempt to overstay their maximum of three weeks, or attempt to look for a job while here.
Unlike in USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Bermuda has no laws equivalent to the ADA or UK's Disability Discrimination Act. Nor have legislators indicated any interest in bringing Bermuda up to international standards. Access is not good compared to the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, etc.
When
space is available for the disabled - accompanied if in a wheelchair - this
symbol indicates this. Always confirm this with the proprietor and note that
properties in Bermuda do not have to conform to ADA or any locally-equivalent
standards at this time.
The Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association has facts about Bermuda showing the true level of access for the disabled. It is not a Government Department but a registered charity for the disabled. Handicapped - disabled - persons should check in advance that bars, cottage colonies, efficiency units, guest houses, hotels and restaurants they favor really are wheelchair friendly, with accessible toilet facilities and ample room for wheelchairs or entrances without stairs or steps. Places that are wheelchair friendly include pedestrian crossings in the City of Hamilton which are flush with pavements or sidewalks and ATM cash machines are low enough for people in wheelchairs to reach.
When properties mentioned have their own distinctive websites (as most do), a simple hyperlink to Bermuda Online will not only be reciprocated (cross-linked) immediately, but will ensure via the cross linking system that all visitors to Bermuda, via this site, can see their current accommodation prices.
Average length of stay in the year ended September 30, 2007 was 6 nights (6.0 for air arrivals, 3.9 for cruise visitors). In the previous year it was 5.8 nights. Also in the year ended September 30, 2007, the number of bed nights was 830,917.
Visitor spending averages in their entire stay:
By air: 1,875 in 2006
By cruise ship: $300 in 2006
| 85% from the USA | 5% from Canada | 5% from United Kingdom | 5% from Rest of the World |
Bermuda is one of the most expensive countries in the world for visitors, with virtually everything imported, whether food or slate, and Customs Duty on top of that.
For
current members, see Bermuda Government Boards. Offices include Bermuda, Boston, London, Toronto, New York, Atlanta.Please contact your hotel or cottage colony or guesthouse or apartment so see if they participate and for complete Hurricane Guarantee terms and conditions.
Bermuda is marketed as being British but it should be known that no British laws of any kind from the United Kingdom apply in Bermuda. Bermuda makes all its own laws and they are Bermudian laws not British laws. The Bermuda Constitution protects Bermudians only. Human Rights laws are very basic compared to UK, USA and Canadian laws. Unlike the Human Rights and/or Civil Rights laws in those countries, there are none in Bermuda specifically covering codes and standards, accommodation and social security pensions for seniors, or transportation policies for the disabled. Also, young men are conscripted - required by local law to serve in the Bermuda Regiment.
Visitors from Britain should note that tea sold in Bermuda is mixed for the American palate and is very weak compared to teas imported into the UK. Even familiar brand names such as Twining's and Typhoo seem to sell a different formula in Bermuda and USA.
Bermuda, one of the world's most expensive places to go on vacation, is undeniably lovely of course for high-spending tourists. But very expensive for budget travelers. Campgrounds are seasonal, by permission only, strictly enforced and policed and are for locals only. Tourists who are not organized school campers should always have firmed-up hotel or guesthouse or cottage colony or licensed efficiency unit, to avoid problems if they arrive without them.
With Bermuda's population the 3rd highest in the world per capita, many houses very close together, and the cost of living one of the highest in the world, don't risk offending people and causing a problem if you ask if you can camp on their property or using a couch and have not met them personally or well enough to call anyone a friend.
Only the licensed tourist properties have more space. To avoid any problems in accommodation, stay only in one of them, to discover for yourself how nice Bermuda can be. We have made some personal recommendations in each category.
Camping is limited to residents of Bermuda. There are NO camp sites for visitors except by special arrangement for organized school groups only if and when space permits and with the prior approval well in advance of the Bermuda Government's Department of Youth, Sport & Recreation (unless otherwise indicated) to which all enquiries should be addressed directly. Residents, and persons staying in the private - non-commercial - homes of residents - must apply in person with name, full postal address and local telephone number, not through any third party, and may qualify:
Structured, designated camping is offered seasonally at these locations, during the camping season of May to mid-September, as administered by either the Department of Parks or Youth and Sport:
Bermuda is a member, via the Bermuda Ministry of Tourism. Bermuda also competes heavily with the Caribbean for tourism business from USA, Canada, UK and Europe.
| Guide to all | Hotels Large and Hotels, Small | Cottage Colonies & Private Clubs |
| Guest Houses | Cottages, apartments, efficiency Units |
January is one of the least humid
months for walking but check our Climate/Weather
file. Remember, Bermuda - for exact position see www.bermuda-online.org/abcbda3.htm
- is 1,000 miles north of the Caribbean, so the sea will be cold compared to
Florida and Caribbean. See the Beaches at www.bermuda-online.org/beaches.htm
file.
This Bermuda Government legislation became effective on December 1, 2000 and applies to all Bermuda properties accepting visitors. A few areas covered by the Act are truth in advertising; unfair business practices; product recalls; product safety; unconscionable consumer representations and penalties for non compliance, for regular and disabled or physically handicapped visitors and locals.
Highest in the world. Unfortunately, neither the Hogg Robinson Group nor Mercer Consulting give any cost-of-living costs for Bermuda.
No equivalent in Bermuda yet to the new United Kingdom genre of country inns - traditional good restaurants with rooms.
Most properties and restaurants accept certain cards - American Express or Visa mostly - but visitors should check this in advance with individual places.
None.
There are no youth hostels or YMCA or YWCA facilities. The combination of heat and humidity noted in Climate/Weather
are not good for hiking.Expense of hotel rooms, by jurisdiction, most expensive first, year 2007 year-round average daily rates with cooked breakfast, in US$.
| Place | January to December 31 2006 |
| * 1. Bermuda (island-wide) | $339.00 |
| ** 2. Moscow | $297.00 |
| ** 3. Rome | $294.00 |
| ** 4. Bangalore | $267.00 |
| ** 5. Paris | $264.00 |
| ** 6. New York | $263.00 |
| ** 7. Milan | $255.00 |
| ** 8. London | $250.00 |
| ** 9. Geneva | $245.00 |
| ** 10. Athens | $242.00 |
| ** 11.Stockholm | $241.00 |
Sources
Unfortunately, neither the Hogg Robinson Group nor Mercer Consulting give any hotel costs figures for Bermuda.
Enacted in 2000, this gives some tax relief - via taxpayers' money - and other benefits, not to consumers but to properties in Bermuda licensed to have guests if they carry out refurbishment costing US$ 1 million or $15,000 multiplied by the number of bedrooms, whichever is the smaller. There are certain qualifications.
Properties are exempted from
To date, beneficiary properties include:
It gives annual awards in a number of categories to hotels, guest houses and other deserving commercial guest properties achieving the highest standards during their tourism, fire and heath inspections. It comprises the Director of Tourism, Chief Environmental Health Officer, Chief Fire Officer, Commissioner of Police, Coordinator of Security Services and the Executive Director of the Bermuda Hotel Association.
See Bermuda Government Boards.
This is done by the Bermuda Government's Department of Tourism. But, unlike the few other places on the world like Bermuda where tourism and tourist boards are national or state or province or county run and administered, there is no grading system or star or diamond system in effect. Nor is there any table giving a summary of each property's features - and no mention anywhere of features for the disabled. Overseas, where they are in place, both operate to a high standard of uniformity by grading or star or diamond system and in being helpful to prospective visitors.
Inspectors for the current year for Bermuda Government's Department of Tourism (as the licensing agency) include individuals, Bermuda Police Service of the Bermuda Government and Health Department of the Bermuda Government's Ministry of Health & Family Services. All commercial properties operating in the various types of hotels in Bermuda - resort hotels, small hotels, guest houses and efficiency units - are inspected before they qualify for licensing approval - between September and March. But a second inspection takes place in May and June for properties wishing to be considered for the Hotel Merit Awards which focus on health, fire and tourism. The period of time between their annual inspections and the May or June re-inspections is for the properties to address what was laid out in the initial report.
Three areas are inspected, the exterior, interior and guestrooms. Hotel inspectors make an appointment with the property to ensure rooms are unoccupied and available for inspection. It can be a time-consuming process, especially with the larger hotels. One inspector may end up inspecting 30 rooms. Outside and inside, they look at everything, the state of the roof, the grounds. Outside, their inspection includes seeing if there is mildew in the concrete and if the pool is clean. If there is a restaurant or eating area, it is examined. Rooms and suites or villas can easily take up to half an hour each, depending on the size and facilities. They include a close look at bathrooms, toilets, showers, shower curtains and liners. Hotel inspectors do not shrink from withholding or pulling approval and licensing of rooms if, for example, a door or window do not lock or is missing fittings essential for the security of a guest. Hotel inspectors invite a hotel employee to join them in the inspection. They talk to the cleaners and maids who often make thoughtful comments. Most property owners have no problems at all with the reports or making the necessary changes.
Hotel inspectors hope any guests with complaints will contact inspectors before they leave Bermuda. In such cases, they go over in hours. Complaints are important but it should be noted that only licensed properties are inspected. Unlicensed properties are not.
None.
Room, breakfast and dinner, may be offered by some hotels, on application.
For members, see Bermuda Government Boards.
Unlike in other countries - USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, etc. where visiting senior citizens are given special discounts or may have those given to locals, Bermuda does not. Only local seniors with appropriate passes may travel free on busses and ferries, or ask for discounts.
How does Bermuda treat its senior citizens? See Senior Citizens in Bermuda.
Non-smoking visitors cannot assume that the hotel is for non-smokers only. Some may have non-smoking sections. Always check directly with the hotel concerned. Effective April 1, 2006, Smoking in public places is banned in Bermuda. Legislation enacted in late 2005 makes it an offence to light up in bars, restaurants hospitals, hotels, offices and schools across the Island. It also sees cigarette vending machines banned along with tobacco advertising at sporting events and it is illegal to sell cigarettes to under 18s. There is a $1,000 fine for those who break the law.
In addition to what properties charge - ask them directly - visitors should expect to pay the following Bermuda Government Taxes (a) Occupancy Tax of 7.25% and (b) a Resort Levy of 10%. Ask any property at which you stay about any further extras.
Many Bermuda guest properties have thefts, due to the drug addition of many locals who steal to get more drugs. Bermuda is no longer worry-free. Laws relating to the safekeeping of guests' property are not as strict as in other countries and options for safes are often limited. Guests at licensed premises should buy travel insurance before they leave including theft of personal property and on arrival always ask about security, whether safes are installed in rooms or what other arrangements are in effect. At night, guests who leave a screen or door unlocked are courting trouble. Calling the Police is the sensible thing to do but don't expect arrest or conviction for the theft of your property.
Due to the many worrying incidences of theft from visitors staying at hotels, guest houses, apartments, cottages and efficiency units - which are never named in press reports to the newspapers - unlike in the UK, USA, Canada and Europe - an early 2007 review of security was carried out on all guest properties in Bermuda. The Bermuda Hotel Association (BHA) formed a security and safety committee, to coordinate and advise BHA members on all matters relating to the safety and security of the guests and hotel employees. News of the committee comes after reports of burglaries in Paget guest properties in February and March 2007 and attacks earlier in the year, with one visitor being held at knife point on the golf course at the Fairmont Southampton Princess. The BHA security and safety committee comprises directors of security and hotel managers whose main focus is to review the current security and safety measures already in place. The Committee will also help to establish a networking system allowing the different hotels to liaise and communicate security information which will heighten their awareness and improve securing our hotel properties. Heading the committee is retired senior Police officer and current Director of Security for the Fairmont Southampton Princess, Winston Esdaille. John Harvey, chief executive officer of the BHA said: "The committee has the support of the Ministry of Tourism and the Bermuda Police Service who have attached a senior officer to help us."
None
With Bermuda's resident population of 62,400 in only 21 square miles making it the sixth highest place in the world in terms of population per square mile, with the heaviest density of motor traffic of any resort and with 550,000 visitors a year, be sure to ask if the property offers peace and quiet and is on a tranquil road with freedom from loud road traffic noise. Some certainly do.
When bus routes are shown and if they apply to the property of your choice, please note they do not carry disabled passengers or wheelchairs, or passengers with luggage, or baby carriages.
World Tourism Organization (WTO)Bermuda, with over 650,000 tourists a year and a British Overseas Territory not an independent nation, has made repeated attempts to join.
Last Updated: May
10, 2008
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