America’s Cup: Local knowledge, Hotel rates, and Airport expansion

As Bermuda’s only daily newspaper, The Royal Gazette is staying busy to report on all the America’s Cup news impacting the island. Here are some recent items…

* Bermudian Peter Bromby has struck a partnership with 35th America’s Cup challengers Artemis Racing, whose ranks include the Bermudian’s friend and former Olympic rival Iain Percy, who is team manager and tactician. Bromby is one of the best sailors Bermuda has produced and his knowledge of the local conditions could prove vital to Artemis Racing’s 35th America’s Cup campaign on local waters. He has represented Bermuda at four Olympic Games and at the 2000 Games in Sydney, Australia, narrowly missed out on a medal after placing fourth in the Star Class with crew Lee White. Full story

* Hotels across the Island have come together as part of a coordinated effort to ensure accommodation demands for the 2017 America’s Cup are met and to eliminate any possibility of price gouging or bookings scalping. Bermuda Tourism Authority has secured non-gouging agreements from their hotel partners to ensure fair and reasonable rates (that are in line with standard seasonal rates) during the events for organisers, teams, sponsors, media and the public at large. Full story

* After the selection of Bermuda to host the America’s Cup, the Government announced an agreement with a Canadian developer for the construction of a new airport terminal building. The redevelopment of the Bermuda airport is seen as a necessary upgrade to enhance the island’s tourism product, but will also be one of the most costly capital projects undertaken. The airport expansion has raised a few eyebrows as local citizens are concerned that with the Canadian firm footing the bill, it could impact how many Bermudians are hired to work on the project. Full story