Mystery-Shopper Cruise

As Minister of Tourism and Transport, part of my responsibility is to ensure that the Bermuda Brand delivers a first-rate experience for our visitors, and that local goods and services have equal opportunity to be promoted to our visitors.

In an effort to obtain knowledge of what information is communicated about Bermuda to our visitors, the Ministry of Tourism and Transport recently organised a mystery-shopper cruise from New Jersey To Bermuda. As a participant, I experienced first-hand what cruise lines and passengers say or advise about Bermuda, prior to arrival. 

It was also an opportunity to understand what it is like for visitors, when two ships, with over 6000 passengers combined, are in the Royal Naval Dockyard, and everyone is trying to obtain transportation around the island.

My experience included shopping at local shops and riding with visitors on the public bus to Horseshoe Bay and experiencing the beach’s amenities. I also took a taxi to visit Crystal Caves, Tobacco Bay and toured Hamilton and St. Georges. 

Ultimately, the assessment provided invaluable information that will allow my Ministry to understand from a visitor’s and cruise line’s perspective, what we are doing well, and where improvements are needed.

I intend on giving a Ministerial Statement on my experience and findings in the near future.