Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/44484
hotel on the islands is the Hyatt in Port of Spain, featuring 43,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. There is also the Crowne Plaza in Port of Spain and a Holiday Express in the Trincity area, which is also close to the airport. Get your grub on in the restaurant district called Ariepita Avenue which has a strip of restaurants. Eat Bake Shark, curried crab and dumpling, Roti (an Indian dish) and, Pelau (peas rice and chicken). The Trincity Trinidad Airport is only Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center more than 450 dining options. The city is serviced by Columbia Metropolitan Airport and Columbia Owens DowntownAirport Both Amtrak and Greyhound are located downtown. "One of the major selling points of our city is the value our guests experi- ence," says Kim Jamieson, director of communications for the Midland Authority for Convent ions , Sports and Tour- ism. "You can do a lot for a little. That's what attr- acts people to our city. The cost to go to some attractions like KIM JAMIESON River-banks Zoo and the Children's Museum is affordable for a family." "The city is very walk-able," says Twila Jones, senior sales manager, Columbia metropolitan CVB. "The C o n v e n t i o n Center district is located down- town next door to an arena and the performing arts center. You can actually do a site visit in one day. All of these properties are TWILA JINES within city blocks of each other. Transporting the conventioneers is also convenient. It has been proven that you get more for your money on 22 things like the room rate, complimen- tary airport shuttles, our parking fees are lower than our competition's, sales taxes are also lower than our com- petitors. Breakfast is usually included with a lot of the room rates, valet parking is less, cab rides are a lot less. When you weigh everything across the board you're going to come out with a lot of savings." For information: www.columbi- asc.net. TRINIDAD & TOBAGO It's touted on its official website as "TheTrue Caribbean." Arveon Mills, sales manager for Trinidad & Tobago Convention Bureau, can't say enough about her country. It's clear she's a proud native. "What really sells us as a destina- tion is the duality of this destination," says Mills. "Tobago is smaller, it's about tradition, sun, sea and sand. It's very laid back. People are warm and friendly. You can experience the best of both worlds. Trinidad is more up-tempo with an exciting nightlife. Our culture is rich and multi ethnic. We are rich in oil and gas. We have a blend of all the cultures. We have a lot of festivals. It's a happening place. We pride ourselves on our festivals." Festivals abound on the small island with a population of 1.3 million and 84,000 annual conference visitors. Festivals include Carnival, Deyas, Pagwa; Tobago Heritage Festival, Emancipation Day, Panorama Festival and more. The newest and most prominent It's Carnival Time Black Meetings & Tourism September/October 2011: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 20 minutes from the center of town. Carriers include Caribbean Airlines, American, Continental and British American. "We have flights leaving every hour," saysMills."We have a ferry service that travels between the two islands by ferry. It's a scenic trip. Or, you can also take a plane." The current U.S. exchange rate is "reasonable," with 6.4 to one TT dollar. FYI – Although it's sunny year round, the rainy season is June- December. "We're at your service," says Mills. "We know how to roll out the red carpet." For information: www.gotrinidad- andtobago.com. Photo Credit: Columbia Metropolitan CVB