The Bermuda Tourism Authority says air arrivals and visitor spending both increased compared with the same period last year
The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) reports an encouraging start to the year in its Q1 Tourism Measures, with total air arrivals up 6% year over year.
Leisure air arrivals increased by nearly 7%. Within the US market, performance was mixed across key gateway cities, but Bermuda’s largest source market, New York, recorded growth of more than 5%, helping to offset regional softness.
Reflecting the BTA’s strategic focus on market diversification, Canada delivered positive growth in total air arrivals of 28.6%. This performance was driven largely by Canadian leisure air arrivals which rose sharply by 43%, highlighting the ongoing impact of targeted sales and marketing initiatives and expanded air service. In addition, the island saw a 22% uplift in overall UK air travellers as compared with 2025, and 35.6% growth in leisure air travellers specifically.
Economic Impact
Visitor spending—one of the most important indicators of tourism’s economic impact—showed continued growth in the first quarter.
Per-person air visitor spending increased by 7% to an average of $1,878, while total air visitor spending rose by 13.9% to $55 million.
Bermuda’s hotels likewise recorded growth in both Average Daily Rate (ADR) and Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR).
Growth was broad-based, with increases recorded in five of seven spending categories including entertainment, sightseeing, shopping, accommodation, and dining.
Air Capacity
Air capacity to Bermuda continued to strengthen during the first quarter, increasing by 8.8%, while arriving passenger volumes grew by 5.1%, reflecting sustained demand and expanded connectivity across key markets.
This growth was achieved despite operational headwinds early in the year, including 36 flight cancellations in January and February resulting from winter storms impacting the U.S. Northeast.
Despite these disruptions, Bermuda recorded overall year-over-year growth in visitation, underscoring the resilience of demand and the value of continued investment in air service development and market diversification.
Sports Tourism Drives Winter Visitation
Supporting a more year-round and sustainable tourism industry, sports tourism continued to play an important role in driving group business and visitation during shoulder periods. Across nine sports tourism activations and two conferences held during the quarter, more than 2,500 visitors contributed approximately 5,900 room nights during the shoulder season. Key events included the Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge—an internationally accredited running event recognised for its environmental sustainability practices—which alone attracted more than 1,500 visitors, a nearly 30% increase in visitors year over year. Additional sports tourism activity included the Bermuda Regional Bridge Tournament, Caribbean Pickleball Championships, golf tournaments, and a seasonal swimming training retreat, which helps to bolster visitor arrivals during this time of year.
External Trends & Challenges
While geopolitical uncertainty has contributed to rising fuel costs and anticipated increases in airfares—particularly affecting long-haul and more complex itineraries—Bermuda continues to experience stable demand.
In addition, progress on hotel developments across the island is expected to bring additional room inventory online this year, supporting future growth opportunities.
Bermuda’s predominantly affluent visitor base, with average household incomes of approximately $260,000, together with strong forward travel intent for 2026, supports a positive outlook as the BTA continues to monitor evolving global conditions.
To view the full 2026 Q1 Report report, click here.
Media release supplied by the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
