Tourism Experience Investment Process
Application Guidelines
The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) invites tourism entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, and experience providers to apply for support through the Tourism Experience Investment Programme (EIP). This programme provides targeted funding to develop high-quality, visitor-focused experiences that strengthen Bermuda’s tourism product and align with the objectives of the National Tourism Plan (NTP).
The following guidelines outline the requirements and expectations for applicants. Please read carefully before submitting an application.
Application Criteria
The BTA considers applications that:
- Demonstrate clear and measurable impact on visitor arrivals, including confirmed hotel room blocks and/or verifiable data showing that the experience directly drove visitation.
- Encourage travel during the shoulder seasons (October–April) to help balance demand and increase year-round tourism.
- Deliver tangible economic benefits to Bermuda through visitor spending.
- Show strong alignment with the National Tourism Plan.
- Exhibit a clear strategy for long-term financial sustainability beyond BTA funding.
Key Application Dates
- Application Period: Open now through December 22, 2025
- Applications must be submitted at least three (3) months in advance of the proposed experience date to allow for proper review and planning.
Eligibility
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered profit or non-profit organizations engaged in tourism-related activities or development.
- Individuals, groups, or organizations seeking to launch new tourism-related initiatives.
Ineligible Experiences
The following experiences are not eligible for funding:
- Capital asks or infrastructure development.
- Experiences not occurring in Bermuda or unrelated to Bermuda tourism.
- Requests to cover expenses for previously completed activities or ventures.
- Applications seeking permanent or recurring operational funding.
- Initiatives that do not align with NTP objectives.
- Submissions received after the published deadline.
- Hard-copy, handwritten, or faxed applications.
- Incomplete or partially completed applications.
Additionally, the following categories will not be considered:
- Sporting events or competitions.
- Business meetings or conferences.
- Product showcases, trade shows, or expos primarily focused on commercial sales.
Funding Parameters
- Maximum Request: $50,000 per application.
- BTA may, at its discretion, approve an amount lower or higher than requested based on the quality, impact, and scope of the proposal.
- Funding is competitive, and in some cases, partial support may be awarded even if an application meets the eligibility criteria.
Appropriate Use of Funds
The applicant is fully responsible for the management and appropriate use of all funds awarded.
BTA funding cannot be used for:
- Standard operational expenses such as rent, utilities, or payroll.
- Staff travel or transportation costs, including gas, mileage, airfare, or accommodations.
- Any prior business expenditures or debt repayment.
Important:
- Funds must be fully utilized within one (1) year of approval.
- A Post-Experience Report must be submitted within 30 days of completion of the experience.
- The final disbursement of funds will not occur until the Post-Experience Report has been received and approved.
Proof of Fund Utilization
Awardees must provide clear documentation showing that all funds were used as intended.
Submissions must include:
- Itemized invoices and receipts.
- Financial statements or bank records related to the funded experience.
- Any additional documentation requested by the BTA to verify expenditures.
The BTA reserves the right to audit funded projects to ensure compliance and accountability.
Disbursement of Funds
- Once a funding agreement is signed, an initial percentage of funds will be released to the applicant.
- Subsequent payments will be made based on performance milestones, which are linked to deliverables such as visitor numbers, marketing outputs, and other agreed-upon criteria.
- The final payment will only be released once the Post-Experience Report has been reviewed and approved by the BTA.
Application Process
- The Experience Investment application is web-based and must be completed online.
- All questions must be answered directly in the application form.
- Applications should include all required supporting documentation, such as business plans, marketing materials, and letters of support.
- By signing electronically, applicants acknowledge that their digital signature is legally binding under the terms of the electronic signature agreement.
Important Reminders:
- Read all questions carefully before responding.
- Ensure every section is completed thoroughly and accurately.
- Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
- Submit early to allow time for technical or documentation issues to be resolved.
For questions or additional information, please contact the BTA at experiences@bermudatourism.com.
Experience Investment Application
Tourism Experience Investment Process
Application Guidelines
The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) invites tourism entrepreneurs, cultural leaders, and experience providers to apply for support through the Tourism Experience Investment Programme (EIP). This programme provides targeted funding to develop high-quality, visitor-focused experiences that strengthen Bermuda’s tourism product and align with the objectives of the National Tourism Plan (NTP).
The following guidelines outline the requirements and expectations for applicants. Please read carefully before submitting an application.
Application Criteria
The BTA considers applications that:
- Demonstrate clear and measurable impact on visitor arrivals, including confirmed hotel room blocks and/or verifiable data showing that the experience directly drove visitation.
- Encourage travel during the shoulder seasons (October–April) to help balance demand and increase year-round tourism.
- Deliver tangible economic benefits to Bermuda through visitor spending.
- Show strong alignment with the National Tourism Plan.
- Exhibit a clear strategy for long-term financial sustainability beyond BTA funding.
Key Application Dates
- Application Period: Open now through December 22, 2025
- Applications must be submitted at least three (3) months in advance of the proposed experience date to allow for proper review and planning.
Eligibility
Who Can Apply
Eligible applicants include:
- Registered profit or non-profit organizations engaged in tourism-related activities or development.
- Individuals, groups, or organizations seeking to launch new tourism-related initiatives.
Ineligible Experiences
The following experiences are not eligible for funding:
- Capital asks or infrastructure development.
- Experiences not occurring in Bermuda or unrelated to Bermuda tourism.
- Requests to cover expenses for previously completed activities or ventures.
- Applications seeking permanent or recurring operational funding.
- Initiatives that do not align with NTP objectives.
- Submissions received after the published deadline.
- Hard-copy, handwritten, or faxed applications.
- Incomplete or partially completed applications.
Additionally, the following categories will not be considered:
- Sporting events or competitions.
- Business meetings or conferences.
- Product showcases, trade shows, or expos primarily focused on commercial sales.
Funding Parameters
- Maximum Request: $50,000 per application.
- BTA may, at its discretion, approve an amount lower or higher than requested based on the quality, impact, and scope of the proposal.
- Funding is competitive, and in some cases, partial support may be awarded even if an application meets the eligibility criteria.
Appropriate Use of Funds
The applicant is fully responsible for the management and appropriate use of all funds awarded.
BTA funding cannot be used for:
- Standard operational expenses such as rent, utilities, or payroll.
- Staff travel or transportation costs, including gas, mileage, airfare, or accommodations.
- Any prior business expenditures or debt repayment.
Important:
- Funds must be fully utilized within one (1) year of approval.
- A Post-Experience Report must be submitted within 30 days of completion of the experience.
- The final disbursement of funds will not occur until the Post-Experience Report has been received and approved.
Proof of Fund Utilization
Awardees must provide clear documentation showing that all funds were used as intended.
Submissions must include:
- Itemized invoices and receipts.
- Financial statements or bank records related to the funded experience.
- Any additional documentation requested by the BTA to verify expenditures.
The BTA reserves the right to audit funded projects to ensure compliance and accountability.
Disbursement of Funds
- Once a funding agreement is signed, an initial percentage of funds will be released to the applicant.
- Subsequent payments will be made based on performance milestones, which are linked to deliverables such as visitor numbers, marketing outputs, and other agreed-upon criteria.
- The final payment will only be released once the Post-Experience Report has been reviewed and approved by the BTA.
Application Process
- The Experience Investment application is web-based and must be completed online.
- All questions must be answered directly in the application form.
- Applications should include all required supporting documentation, such as business plans, marketing materials, and letters of support.
- By signing electronically, applicants acknowledge that their digital signature is legally binding under the terms of the electronic signature agreement.
Important Reminders:
- Read all questions carefully before responding.
- Ensure every section is completed thoroughly and accurately.
- Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
- Submit early to allow time for technical or documentation issues to be resolved.
For questions or additional information, please contact the BTA at experiences@bermudatourism.com.