Following the recent announcement that the Government frequent flyer points were offered to students travelling abroad for education, there has been an overwhelming response, reaching full capacity and surpassing expectations. The program is now oversubscribed, indicating a high level of interest and participation from individuals seeking to avail themselves of the offered flight rewards.
The accumulated points from travel were offered to be used to assist Bermudian students travelling abroad for education, athletes representing the island, and other citizens needing support for travel in emergencies. Since the programme was implemented, the points have been used to assist several students in returning home or to university and athletes travelling abroad to represent Bermuda in competitions.
Last month, the Government was informed that the Business Extra programme will end on December 15, 2023. Since the Government was told that the programme would be ending, assistance has been offered, in the first instance, to several local organisations and residents in need via Government departments.
Premier David Burt said: “We appreciate the overwhelming response we have received and are thankful for the opportunity to offer assistance to our students during the holiday season. In alignment with the Government's 2017 election platform, which mandated the consolidation of all publicly funded travel under a unified business frequent flyer account in the Government of Bermuda's name, we have successfully fulfilled this commitment. This policy, implemented to enhance efficiency, has proven beneficial for many individuals over the years, demonstrating our commitment to delivering on promises.”