The Premier, two Cabinet Ministers, a senator and the head of the Bermuda Tourism Authority have been in New York this week promoting Bermuda as a business and tourism destination.

Last night, Michael Dunkley described the meetings held there as “positive and fruitful” but a Government spokeswoman, who accompanied him on the New York visit, would not divulge exactly who the Premier met in the business world. The spokeswoman said the meetings were with various “top-tier entities” and that the prestigious America’s Cup — and the likelihood of it being held here in 2017 — was one of the topics under discussion.

Yesterday morning, the focus was on tourism as the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) hosted a media breakfast attended by journalists from “the most influential publications in the world of travel”, according to a BTA press release.

Travelling with Mr Dunkley are Economic Development Minister Grant Gibbons, Tourism Development Minister Shawn Crockwell and BTA head Bill Hanbury. Government senator Jeff Baron has also been in New York with the Ministers this week.

It is not known if any other publicly-paid officials are taking part in the visit and the cost of the trip has not yet been revealed.

Among those who attended yesterday’s breakfast were journalists from New York-based media outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Travel + Leisure, Travel Weekly, Travel Agent and Luxury Travel Advisor. Subjects discussed included new on-Island hotel and restaurant developments, Bermuda arts and culture, the BTA formation, Cup Match, international business, casino gaming and “experiential tourism”.

The Cabinet Ministers told “a Bermuda story — a story which touted Bermuda as a jurisdiction with a proven blue-chip reputation and a substantive global presence,” a Government statement added.

Referring to the media breakfast, the Premier noted: “The chance to tell Bermuda’s story of revitalisation to this influential media audience was an opportunity not to be missed.

“I believe these representatives got to experience firsthand the excitement that I, and my fellow Bermudians, feel about the new direction that our tourism industry is taking.

“From America’s Cup to building on our cultural tourism assets, we have a magnificent story to tell to a global tourism audience.”

Mr Crockwell added: “To have this notable media audience all in the same room at the same time was a great occasion for Bermuda tourism. I had the distinct pleasure to discuss our nautical, marine and sports tourism assets, which was well received by the media representatives.

“These types of media opportunities are important to rebuilding our tourism economy with the objective of putting Bermudians to work. The BTA needs to continue this type of aggressive marketing outreach. ”

The New York visit coincided with the launch of a luxury Bermuda perfume in the trendy Tribeca neighbourhood — and Mr Dunkley attended the event on Tuesday evening, along with Mr Crockwell, Sen Baron and movie star Catherine Zeta-Jones.

The Premier said on Facebook yesterday that he was invited to the launch and, upon accepting the invitation, “took the opportunity to conduct business meetings yesterday with the aim of promoting Bermuda, bringing new business to Bermuda and creating jobs for Bermudians”.

Bermuda Perfumery issued a separate press release about the perfume launch.

It was accompanied by pictures of the Premier, Mr Crockwell and Sen Baron at the event, alongside Ms Zeta-Jones, celebrating the Mary Celestia perfume, a scent originally created in the 1800s, hidden in a Bermuda shipwreck for 150 years and rediscovered in 2011.

Responding to questions from this newspaper, Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone, from the Bermuda Perfumery, said: “When we learned a high-level Bermuda delegation was planning meetings in New York City around the same time as our fragrance launch we invited the delegation and we’re glad for those who attended.

“The delegation’s presence — especially the Premier’s — helped us tremendously in telling this truly authentic Bermuda story that will generate international media exposure for the country. The Bermuda Perfumery did not pay the travel expenses of any Government ministers.”

Mr Crockwell, also in response to questions, said: “This event is a historic achievement that speaks to the history and culture of Bermuda, which was important to support. This event, which was attended by approximately 130 guests, also offered me the opportunity to promote Bermuda as a historic shipwreck diving destination.”

Mr Dunkley said of the entire New York trip: “Our message while here is simple. Bermuda is a beautiful destination that is perfect for work, life and leisure.

“It’s about attracting foreign investment to our shores. So to our potential business partners, our message was that Bermuda is very conducive for business.

“We have an appropriate, pragmatic taxation system; we are highly developed and globally respected; and we have a world class business infrastructure with a first class legal and regulatory environment.

“Our tourism message is that we are convenient and less than a two hour flight from New York. We are known as the ‘Jewel of the Atlantic’ offering natural beauty, sophistication, cultural heritage, and unique experiences with a warm, welcoming, hospitable atmosphere.

“So these two days serve as a critical opportunity to engage with business entities, media and our global stakeholders to showcase and promote Bermuda and answer any questions they might have.”

Ms Ramsay-Brackstone said in her press release that the launch of the perfume in New York created a “buzz”.

“This perfume waited 150 years to be worn. And now, finally, it can be,” she added. “Just 1,864 bottles will be offered to honour the shipwrecked Mary Celestia, which was hiding this perfume when it sank off Bermuda in 1864.”

The perfume, costing $225, goes on sale on October 1 at the Bermuda Perfumery’s Lili Bermuda boutiques in Hamilton and St George’s, as well as online at www.lilibermuda.com.

Part of the sale proceeds will go to a new foundation to preserve and promote Bermuda’s shipwreck heritage.

The government delegation is due back on the Island today.

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