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Aminah Simmons
Mr. Dill
Perserving Our Heritage
October 21, 2015

Tourism a means of Economic Recovery

The tourism industry is a huge part of Bermudas economy. Tourism is the commercial
organization and operation of vacations and visits to places of interest. According to The Hon.
Shawn G. Crockwell JP, MP - Minister of Tourism Development and Transport, Bermuda is
Known around the world for our beautiful pink sand beaches, stunning turquoise water, world-

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class golf, and warm, friendly people, Bermuda has been a favourite destination for generations
of travellers. Today, Bermuda is being rediscovered for its unexpected treasures, such as boutique
shopping, island-inspired cuisine, a thriving arts scene, unparalleled shipwreck diving and the
celebration of our rich history. We are one of the most isolated inhabited islands. (McDowall,
See Page 1) Our islands capital is now Hamilton City, it was once St. Georges but got changed in
1815. It was in the mid-1800s when tourism in Bermuda started boosting for the very first time.
Although, in these times, tourism was only for the rich and classy people who could afford to
escape the cold winters of North America. Many hotel owners took notice to this and started to
advertise their hotels and putting on events for the tourist. One of the famous hotels during these
times was Hamilton Princess, which was named after Princess Louise. In the beginning of the
20th century, when modern transportation and communication systems developed, Bermuda's
tourism industry began to develop and thrive as well. At this time Bermuda also became a
popular destination for a widespread of wealthy US, Canadian, and British tourists. Tourism was
a significant part of Bermudas economic recovery during the mid-1800.

Tourism had a huge impact on our island economically. Bermuda has a very high-cost
economy. Today, tourism is the second most important pillar in Bermuda's economy, coming
after international business. Almost 30% of Bermuda's GDP comes from the tourism industry.
Before tourism was introduced, Bermuda relied on agriculture and ship building. According to an
article written in the Royal Gazette, Agriculture has played a crucial role in Bermuda's history
forming an essential part of both the Island's cultural and natural heritage and despite this
broadly recognised role, the agricultural industry and agricultural land have been in a steady state
of decline over the last 90 years. It is believed that Bermudians play a great role in the decline

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of agriculture. Over time, Bermudians' diminishing appreciation for the agricultural sector has
caused it to become undervalued and neglected. By the late 1600s early 1700s the shift in the
Island's economy from subsistence food production to the commercial maritime industries of
ship building, shipping, whaling and privateering further diminished the settlers' interest in
farming. In the new age of tourism farming was no longer seen as essential to Island's economic
needs. Residents were able to buy rather than grow their own food. This trend continued during
World War II with the rapid development of the construction industry to build the United States
Navy bases and in more recent times with the shift in economy from tourism to international
business which has placed greater pressure on land to be used for development. In effect the
changing appreciation for the agriculture industry and value of agricultural land has resulted in a
set of 'conflicting values' for Bermudians. Although 47 percent of residents believe the
agricultural sector is critically important to the Island's future, evidence from farmers indicates
that the general public are largely intolerant of agricultural practices on their own property or in
their neighbourhoods.

Tourism is a huge part of Bermudas Resilience, it was the industry that really saved
Bermudas economy. Without the tourism industry, Bermuda would not be where she is today, it
is because of this industry that our economy did not decline tremendously. As mentioned in my
previous paragraph, when ship building and agriculture were no longer reliable, Bermuda began
to depend solely on the tourism industry. It wasnt until the 1800s that the industry started to
boost. The hotels were filling up and the revenue was flowing. Although many tourist came here
to escape their cold homes, not everyone enjoyed our island. According to the book Another
World, Not everyone loved Bermuda. Many complaints about the hotels not being big enough

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ad not having good service were put forth. However, our beaches and our location has been a big
advantage for us. Because we are in the Gulf Stream, our waters are warm and clear. In North
America, there arent many clear waters. Families love to bring their children here to experience
what is often described as paradise.

Tourism is no longer Bermudas main source of income. Our biggest economic pillar is
now international business. Although, tourism is still a big industry, it is getting smaller as time
goes by. Bermuda is constantly changing. I believe that in our schools we should talk more about
how we can get the tourism industry back boosting again. I also believe that with Americas cup,
when all the different countries come to take part in the race, it will bring more tourist here
throughout the year because they will see what a beautiful island we are. We are most definitely a
hospitable people.
In conclusion, tourism had definitely affected Bermuda in a huge way. Tourism has made
us who we are as an island today. The industry has also put us on the map. After agriculture and
ship building declined, tourism really saved us, and it is still helping us out today.

Bibliography:

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McDowall, Duncan. "Another World." Bermuda and the Rise of Modern Tourism. London:
Macmillian Educational, 1999. 236. Print.
Royal Gazette News Paper
http://www.bermuda-online.org/accomm1.htm
http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20150820/NEWS04/150829983
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