Log In

Reset Password
BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Chamber executive meeting over significant changes to Harbour Nights

The Chamber of Commerce has put off unveiling plans for a revamped Harbour Nights this year due to concerns about the changes by some Hamilton business owners.It’s understood one potential change causing concern among some in the retail/restaurant industry is closing off and including Reid Street in the festivities, which in the past centred on Front Street.COC executive director Joanne MacPhee confirmed yesterday the official launch of the Harbour Nights plans has been delayed pending a meeting of the Executive members next Tuesday.“The Chamber formed an Executive Harbour Nights Committee last October to explore whether the event should continue after 20 years, and if so what it should look like going forward,” Ms MacPhee said.“Nothing was off the table, including cancelling the event completely. However, after significant consultation it was agreed that it was in the collective best interest of our members and Bermuda in general, for the Chamber to continue to host Harbour Nights, but all agreed that in doing so a number of significant changes would be required to breathe new life into the product.“We even consulted with Faneuil Hall in Boston, Massachusetts to better understand the complexities of their highly successful vendor market/ high-end retail business model. “Mrs MacPhee added: “We had scheduled to go public with all our exciting plans this week, but at the request of some of our members we have agreed to delay our official launch pending a meeting of the Executive next Tuesday.”