A $440,000 payment by the Government to carnival planners was worth it, the tourism minister maintained today.

Owen Darrell said the funding of 14 events was estimated to have generated $1.47 million in visitor spending, according to preliminary figures.

He said public funds were “used responsibly and delivered value to Bermuda” as well as having generated international exposure.

The Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport that the carnival, a relatively recent introduction to the island’s event schedule, had cemented its place in the Bermuda cultural calendar.

Mr Darrell said: “Preliminary estimates suggest that Carnival in Bermuda 2026 will generate approximately $1.47 million in visitor economic activity, representing more than three times Government’s direct investment.”

He revealed that the island paid $150,000 in total to support the Waves concert, as well as $50,000 for the Nova Mas Swizzle at Sunrise and on-the-road experiences.

The “on the road” event for Machel Montano, the Trinidadian artist credited with taking soca global, got a backing of $20,000.

A repeat returning artist to the island, Montano was an early backer of Bermuda’s carnival as a concept when he performed in 2014 during the Cup Match holiday.

Mr Darrell listed off other events: $6,000 for the old school soca fête and $10,000 for the army fête; a further $10,000 for We Love Dancehall; $11,0000 for Glow and $12,000 for Evolve.

An operational grant of $175,000 backed events such as the carnival launch, Family Fête, Jammin’ Still, Pan in the Park, Jam J’Ouvert and Revel de Road.

The Government’s grants for entertainment and supporting events is approved by legislators in each year’s Budget. For last year, $1.6 million was approved for the entertainment sector, while Mr Darrell said in the 2026-27 Budget, $1 million was allocated for “similar initiatives”.

On top of visitor spending, Mr Darrell highlighted the international promotion of the island’s image as “a vibrant destination capable of delivering world-class cultural and entertainment experiences”.

Beyond the reach of traditional advertising was the promotion through “earned media, influencer partnerships and digital content creation”.

Jasmine Furbert, the director of experiences with the Bermuda Tourism Authority, said that the carnival had been curated to “help visitors feel connected to Bermuda from the moment of arrival”.

There were about 300 pieces of Bermuda content generated across “multiple platforms”, showcasing “authentic experiences difficult to replicate through traditional advertising”.

Bermuda’s carnival launched in June 2015 to incorporate the island’s National Heroes Day festivities, and develop offerings for a holiday weekend seen as lacking in events.

Mr Darrell said the festival had proved itself more than ten years on.

“The signature event on our calendar, most people would say, would be the Cup Match holiday — but I can tell you it’s fast becoming carnival weekend, another one of our signature events.”

He added: “However you decide to measure what culture looks like, Carnival in Bermuda is here to stay.”