Bermuda has signed a major agreement with Airbnb to promote tourism to the island.

The partnership aims to enhance Bermuda’s status as a world-class destination for leisure, group travel and tourism investment, as well as to create a framework that opens a dialogue to discuss industry matters such as marketing and regulation.

“Out here, Bermudians have been welcoming travelers into our homes for many decades,” said Kevin Dallas, CEO of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. “Partnering with an innovative brand like Airbnb enables us to build on our legacy of legendary hospitality, reach a new generation of travelers and expand opportunities for Bermudian homeowners to participate in the tourism economy.”

With this partnership, Airbnb will continue to promote tourism and will work to highlight Bermuda’s distinct brand of island life.

The objective of the strategy is to move Bermuda’s tourism industry forward by growing visitor spending and experience, increasing the volume of leisure and group visitors to Bermuda, and nurturing an environment for job creation.

“Today’s agreement with Bermuda is a great example of how local authorities and the private sector can work together to achieve mutually desired goals,” said Airbnb’s representative for the Caribbean and Central America, Shawn Sullivan.

“Bermuda is an important and growing market for Airbnb and we are very excited to be working with the Bermuda Tourism Authority and Bermuda Government to help grow sustainable tourism to the island.”

Airbnb plays an increasingly important role in the Bermuda tourism industry with 257 listings across the island, and typical host earnings of $14,900 in 2016.

Bermuda Tourism Authority said it expects the partnership to bring new opportunities to grow and strengthen the island’s economy overall.

Recently, Airbnb has reached a series of partnerships with countries in the Caribbean, especially the recent signing of an agreement with the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

— Dana Niland, CJ Contributor