Bermuda Tourism Sector Growth Boosted by More than Thirty Million USD in this Year’s Contracts, Focusing on its Sports Events Like PGA Tour and SailGP

The Bermuda Tourism Authority has identified $32 million in tourism business for 2025, with a large part of it going towards funding prominent sports events, including PGA Tour and SailGP. This indicates that Bermuda is prioritizing sports tourism as one of its engines for its tourism industry. Bermuda has positioned itself as an important player in sports tourism around the world.

In funding terms, a large chunk of $17,352,560 is earmarked for the PGA Tour in the continuation of the three-year sponsorship deal of the Bermuda Championship until 2028. Such collaboration is not just very beneficial to the golf tourism of the island of Bermuda but is also representative of BTA’s vision of ensuring sustainable development in the tourism industry. One such event is the 2026 Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix that would further enhance the island’s sports tourism presence by hosting elite international sailing competitions at the Great Sound of Bermuda.

Sports Tourism: A Key Driver for Bermuda’s Economic Growth

The expansion of sports tourism in Bermuda has the potential to create significant economic benefits for the island. Events like the PGA Tour and SailGP attract high-value tourists, including athletes, sponsors, media, and spectators, who contribute to the local economy through spending on accommodation, dining, transportation, and entertainment.

The global exposure of these events, broadcasted to millions of viewers worldwide, helps position Bermuda as a leading sports tourism destination in the Caribbean and beyond. The $4.9 million in economic impact from the 2024 SailGP event in Bermuda serves as a testament to the potential of sports tourism to drive substantial financial returns, and the upcoming events are expected to further strengthen the island’s position as a year-round destination for sports lovers.

This growth in sports tourism is expected to have a ripple effect across other sectors, including hospitality, construction, and transportation, as new facilities and services are developed to accommodate the influx of tourists. The increase in tourism demand will lead to more job creation, higher spending in local businesses, and increased investment in infrastructure.

SailGP and PGA Tour: Catalysts for Long-Term Sports Tourism Growth

Both the SailGP and PGA Tour partnerships are laying the groundwork for long-term sports tourism growth in Bermuda. By securing multi-year agreements, the BTA ensures the island will have a steady stream of high-profile sporting events, which will continuously attract visitors throughout the year.

The SailGP event has proven to be a powerful marketing tool, generating a global audience of over 13.5 million viewers in 2024, alongside 41.2 million social media interactions. The island’s ability to attract world-class sporting events demonstrates its potential to host major events across a wide range of sports, from sailing to golf and beyond. With 2024’s event drawing more than 4,200 attendees, SailGP has already proven its ability to boost local tourism and will likely continue to do so in the coming years.

Similarly, the PGA Tour is one of the most prestigious events in golf, attracting players, sponsors, and spectators from around the world. The continued extension of the Bermuda Championship into the future ensures that Bermuda remains an important golf destination, helping to elevate the island’s reputation in the competitive golf tourism market.

Building a Year-Round Sports Tourism Calendar

With these key partnerships, Bermuda is steadily building a year-round calendar of high-quality sporting events, helping to drive tourism during the off-season and combat seasonal fluctuations in visitor numbers. Sports tourism offers the unique advantage of drawing travelers during the shoulder seasons, as well as the winter months, when the island would otherwise experience a slower tourism period.

The growing focus on sports events also enables Bermuda to appeal to niche markets within the sports tourism sector, such as active travelers, fitness enthusiasts, and family tourists. These visitors are increasingly seeking destinations that offer more than just traditional beach holidays, and Bermuda’s sports offerings provide exactly that.

The Long-Term Vision: Strengthening Bermuda’s Tourism Economy

Looking ahead, sports tourism will continue to play a critical role in Bermuda’s tourism strategy. With continued investments in sports infrastructure and event management, Bermuda is poised to remain a top-tier destination for sports enthusiasts worldwide. The combination of luxury tourism, cultural heritage, and world-class sports events offers Bermuda a unique position to cater to a diverse range of travelers seeking different types of experiences.

As the island continues to develop its sports tourism industry, the BTA’s commitment to attracting international events will help to position Bermuda as a global leader in the field, attracting visitors year-round and strengthening the island’s economic growth. With a robust event calendar, modern infrastructure, and sustainable tourism practices, Bermuda’s sports tourism sector has a bright future ahead, driving further job creation, local investments, and global recognition for the island.

A Future Fueled by Sports Tourism in Bermuda

The tourism agreements worth $32 million in 2025 are a milestone in the tourism economy of Bermuda, with Sports Tourism standing out as a major contributor to sustained tourism growth. With the agreements between the island state and PGA Tour and SailGP, it is apparent that the tourism destination will continue to be an attractive hub for tourists as it enjoys international coverage. The island state will continue to develop as an ideal tourism destination with its diverse calendar of Sports Tourism activities.