With 692,947 recorded arrivals in 2017, Bermuda welcomed the highest number of visitors in recorded history last year. The Bermuda Tourism Authority notes 2007 was the last year to show such high arrival numbers, with year-end hotel occupancy passing the 60 percent mark for the first time since.

Leisure air arrivals were up by 11 percent, with increased arrivals from Boston, New York and Canada. Total leisure spending was up by 20 percent and hotel occupancy was up by 9 percent. The majority (83 percent) of growth in leisure air arrivals was among the under-45 crowd.

“Bermuda’s tourism industry achieved its most impressive performance in a decade last year with the number of leisure air visitors and the money they spend on-island surging to double-digit percentage growth,” said the Bermuda Tourism Authority.

“Beginning in 2014 the Bermuda Tourism Authority began a multi-year strategy to restore the island’s tourism industry to prominence. Last year was a major stride forward on that journey,” said Kevin Dallas, CEO, Bermuda Tourism Authority.

Vacation rentals received a huge growth in popularity, surging 133 percent, according to Airbnb. One out of every 10 visitors chose a vacation rental over a hotel stay.

“Bermuda represents an incredibly important and growing market for Airbnb. Through our partnership agreement with Bermuda’s government and tourism authority we have significantly grown our supply and increased the number of visitors for Bermudian homeowners. In 2018 we plan to further develop our partnership in Bermuda and engage the community with more home sharing educational seminars across the island,” said Shawn Sullivan, Airbnb.