Bermudian entrepreneurs with a winning tourism idea are reminded to submit concepts for innovative on-island experiences to the Bermuda Tourism Authority by the end of the month.

Home-grown ideas to enhance the island’s tourism product are invited — and, if successful, could qualify for support under the BTA’s tourism experience investment programme that helps local talent take the next step.

Applications for the next round of BTA 2019-20 programmes opened September 1 and are due September 30. Applicants can create a profile and submit applications at www.bta.smapply.io.

Glenn Jones, chief experience development officer at the BTA, said: “The purpose of this process is to recruit tourism ideas that will be ready for launch in the first and second quarters of 2020.

“This aligns well with the National Tourism Plan’s aim to encourage more year-round experiences. We invite any budding entrepreneurs who may or may not have an existing business to submit an application to be considered for support.”

Four priorities for BTA investment in 2020 experiential tourism projects have been identified as: food tourism; reimagining cultural sites and natural assets; experience and services in superyacht tourism; and historical ties to tennis. However, entrepreneurs with proposals that do not fall squarely within those categories are still invited to apply.

The BTA transitioned to two rounds of investment applications in 2019: the first took place in March, targeting experiences to be launched in the third and fourth quarters of 2019. This current second round aims to give flight to experiences in the first and second quarters of 2020, the BTA said.

Successful entrepreneurs who received BTA support earlier this year include: PinkSand Entertainment, which produces all-inclusive packages for “Made in Bermuda Nights” at White’s Island; luxury picnic provider Eettafel Bermuda; Urban Culture Exchange, which offers a party experience over Labour Day weekend; The Supper Club, which hosts food-centred parties at unique locations; and St Peter’s Mysteries and Majesties Tour, giving a behind-the-scenes look at royal secrets inside the oldest Anglican church in the western hemisphere.

Notably, sport and adventure experiences have been taken out of this process: applicants can now submit those ideas on a rolling basis throughout the year, the BTA said.

Applicants for experience investment who have questions or need assistance can contact experience@bermudatourism.com. An informational presentation from a recent BTA workshop can be accessed at https://www.gotobermuda.com/bta/tourism-experiences-investment.