The "tiny island nation" of Bermuda continued to "talk up the economic benefits" from hosting the 35th America's Cup, describing it as "the deal of the century," according to Cheree Kinnear of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. Figures informed the regatta "significantly boosted Bermuda's economy," despite a NZ$111M infrastructure package cost and NZ$22M event fee. Former Premier Michael Dunkley said that the regatta dug Bermuda "out of the hole called economic abyss." Dunkley: "Bermuda today is in a better position. ... The America's Cup was a huge undertaking, which helped us dig out and, using a cricket analogy, we hit it for six." Broadcast in 163 countries by 31 broadcasters to 452 million people, Dunkley said that hosting the Cup "put the island on the map." He added, "There were 22k news articles printed about AC 2017 published in 76 countries. Talk about reach and putting Bermuda on the map. All of this advertising equates to NZ$80.9M in Advertising Equivalent Value [AEV]. This in itself is the deal of the century and I challenge anyone to show me another deal as favorable as this. Furthermore we have access to all footage to use at our desire." The report revealed that for every $100 invested by the Bermuda government in holding the event, more than $500 was received in additional spending (NZ HERALD, 12/4).
