A vacation rentals manager is urging people to consider staycations this year to assist the Island’s tourism industry.Bermudian, Sarah Van de Weg has reduced the rents for the 10 three-bedroom apartments at Prince Alfred Terrace, in the Royal Naval Dockyard, which she manages for West End Development Corporation, to attract staycationers.“The Premier recently shared that Bermudians spend roughly $300m a year on vacations and he asked them to spend that money in Bermuda this year,” said Sarah. “I think it is vital for the industry’s survival that this happens.”“While residents are supporting the hospitality and tourism sector, they would be given the opportunity to experience the Bermuda tourism product - a product they may have never fully submersed themselves in previously. Staycationers will be able to curate an unforgettable experience, temporarily escape from our new reality, discover the island’s hidden treasures, make memories that last a lifetime and fall in love with Bermuda all over again.”Prince Alfred Terrace was completely refurbished before the America’s Cup and the apartments, which have received more than 250 5-star reviews on Airbnb, have been almost continually booked since the event.Sarah added: “I don’t think there is anything in Bermuda that is comparable to the Prince Alfred Terrace apartments, which allow guests to live in history with majestic water views provided by its location on the edge of the Great Sound. “The apartments also benefit from their close proximity to the Royal Naval Dockyard and Somerset Village - both offering restaurants, shopping, experiences and tours - but the distance is far enough for that true feeling of escape.“The layout of the apartments provide Prince Alfred Terrace with an edge over hotels and smaller Airbnb’s in that it enables groups and extended families to get together in one place, although guests will still be expected to follow the Bermuda Government’s COVID-19 health and safety guidelines.“Also, with contactless entry, minimal staff, private outdoor garden spaces and no excess people being drawn to on-site restaurants, or shared lobby areas, guests can experience a true on island vacation complete with change of scenery, and avoid contact with people they don’t know, who are outside their own group.“We’ve made every effort to ensure compliance with health and safety guidelines and in some cases gone beyond what is required to ensure our guests know they are safe. We’ve hired a new cleaning firm to ensure a detailed cleaning programme with staff that have been trained in Covid-19 sanitising processes.“The new normal as it pertains to cleaning is very lengthy and includes disinfecting each touch point inclusive of remotes, handles and light switches. There is also a detailed cleaning process for the whole area which includes spraying the interior of the premises from top to bottom to ensure sanitization. “It is a process that will take a lot more effort and time, but no matter what sector you work in, restaurants, shops, even offices, it’s what we must do to keep people safe and healthy.” She added: “Somerset, inclusive of the Royal Naval Dockyard, once considered so far out, is now a unique selling point as it sits outside of the everyday for a lot of people and there is an abundance of things to do, see and explore in the West End of the Island. It really is another world for Bermudians to rediscover.“I am also developing some off the beaten track rural West End self-guided tours including one that I call ‘Zombie Land’, which takes people around the deserted houses and land just beyond the Royal Naval Cemetery.”For more details go to www.princealfredterrace.com or call 516 3855.