The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) has released its 2025 Year-End Report, revealing that sports and maritime tourism remain the heavy hitters driving the island's economic recovery. High-value events and international partnerships have reinforced Bermuda’s premium positioning, attracting visitors who stay longer and spend more on local shores.
Signature events such as the Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge, the Bermuda Bridge Invitational, and the 74th Annual Goodwill Golf Tournament were hailed for boosting international visibility while generating significant incremental visitation.
Leading the charge in the sports vertical is the Butterfield Bermuda Championship. Recent analysis confirms that the 2024 PGA TOUR event generated $14.1 million in direct spending across the local economy, demonstrating a measurable return on the island's sports tourism investment.
This impact is part of a growing trend; the 2023 tournament contributed a total of $17.7 million when indirect and induced effects were considered. To secure this economic pipeline, the BTA has inked a multi-year extension with the PGA TOUR, valued at over $17.3 million, to keep the championship at Port Royal through at least 2028.
Tourism officials are already eyeing 2026 as a potential record-breaker for the maritime and sports sectors. The calendar is anchored by the return of "pinnacle" events, including:
Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix: Scheduled for May 9th–10th, 2026, the event is expected to draw thousands of attendees and millions of global viewers.
The Newport Bermuda Yacht Race: Returning for its biennial "Thrash to the Onion Patch" on June 19th, 2026.
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship: Continuing its annual residency as a staple of the PGA TOUR’s fall schedule.
Acting CEO Erin Wright noted that the organization's success in 2025 was defined by agility in the face of global uncertainty. "We responded by diversifying into the Canadian market and supporting the growth of the superyacht segment," Wright stated, highlighting a mid-year surge that saw superyacht visits increase by 17%.
Looking forward, the BTA will maintain its focus on driving year-round visitation, with an emphasis on the non-summer months and ensuring all tools and initiatives are optimized for maximum value and measurable return on investment.
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