Island artists and designers presented the Bermuda story to potential clients in New York as part of a marketing blitz.

Jamahl Simmons, the tourism minister, told the House of Assembly last week that the evening event was held at a lower Manhattan hotel to give travel planners a feel for island life.

Mr Simmons said: “The destination event planners that attended really had their imaginations opened and I know they’re excited about bringing their wedding, corporate and other group clients to Bermuda.

“This same model of event marketing moves next to Boston, then to Philadelphia and on to Washington.”

Mr Simmons added that Bermuda was “impeccably represented” at the event by artist Alshante Foggo, sculptor Stratton Hatfield, jewellery maker Elissa Stubbs, fashion designers Rebecca Hanson, Cary Butterfield and Patricia Borland, musician Raven Baksh, DJ Damon DeGraff and perfumery business owner Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone.

Mr Simmons was joined on the trip by Bermuda Tourism Authority chief executive Kevin Dallas and other marketing professionals from the BTA’s New York-based team.

He said the campaign also aimed to attract media and trade partners who can help to promote Bermuda.

Mr Simmons added: “I also spent a great deal of time in the Bermuda Tourism Authority New York office, getting up to speed with the public relations and social media teams, particularly as it relates to the international media coverage of the Domestic Partnership Act.

“Over the past several months, my ministry has been working with the BTA to formulate the proper response that ensures travel consumers know Bermuda is a destination welcoming to everyone.

“The in-person meetings in New York were valuable to take note of where we are to date on this issue from a tourism perspective and I will stay abreast of further developments in consultation with our partners at the Bermuda Tourism Authority.”

• To read Jamahl Simmons’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”