Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/10149
AREA GUIDES CARIBBEAN REGIONAL EACH UNIQUE, THE ISLES OF THE CARIBBEAN BY VICTORIA HEAD When traveling to the Caribbean, there are over 35 destinations to choose from. The lovely and unique islands of the Caribbean offer plenty of variety in terms of attractions, cost, accessibility, culture, history and of course everything ranging from the feel of the big city, to that secluded island hideaway. A broad selection of accommodations are also available with over 15,000 hotel rooms spread across the islands. You can find local bed and breakfast inns, all-inclusive luxury resorts and on the larger islands, major and familiar U.S. hotel chains. Of all the Caribbean isles, the islands of the Bahamas are among the most frequented by travelers. When Cuba was closed to US tourists in the 1950s, the Bahamas forged ahead to become one of the world’s most popu- lar tourist destinations. The Bahamas encompass about 700 coral-based islands and 2,000 cays (pronounced “keys”). These islands and cays attract tourists for a variety of reasons, includ- ing beaches, diving, snorkeling, fishing, golf, and shopping. The Bahamas lie only 50 miles off Florida’s coast, mak- ing them a popular destination for many Americans. The islands’ two major cities are Nassau, on New Providence Island, and Freeport, on Grand Bahama Island. Some travelers enjoy cruising to the Caribbean islands, but many fly in accessing either the Freeport International Airport or the government run Nassau International Airport. It’s important to note that as of June, 2009, the U.S. government implemented the full requirements of the land and sea Lighthouse station on one of Bahamas outer Islands phase of WHTI. These rules require most U.S. citizens entering or depart- ing the Caribbean Islands by sea or air to have a passport, passport card or WHTI-compliant document. Many business travelers elect to have the Bahamas host their meetings and conferences. Whether they choose the bustling islands or a more remote location, these business minded guests find it easy to go from beach to busi- ness attire and enjoy some of the Caribbean’s finest state-of-the-art meeting facilities. The Atlantis Resort and Casino on Paradise Island offers the capacity to accommodate the largest, most complex events, confer- ences and tradeshows. It boasts approximately 100,000 sq. ft. of new conference facilities and a total of over 500,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space, creating the largest conference space in the Caribbean. For travelers who desire to stay at The Atlantis Resort and Casino, they will have the option of residing in one of the resorts fine towers themed after the surrounding water-parks and marine-life; the resort features over 2,000 guest rooms. Nestled between Venezuela and Surinam on the northeast coastline of South America, Guyana, a country of exceptional natural beauty, stretches 450 miles from its long Atlantic coast- line into dense equatorial forest. Mankind has made little impact here, and today Guyana remains one of the world’s most exciting destinations for adventuresome travel and explo- ration. Venturing out for the interior by boat, aircraft or 4x4, you encounter the extraordinary natural heritage of Guyana. Jaguars still roam the rain forest, and the unearthly cries of howler monkeys echo through the trees. The picturesque capital and pri- mary port of Guyana, Georgetown reflects much of the city’s exceptional cultural history and diversity. Throughout the city are colorful East Indian markets, indicative of the country’s largely East Indian popula- tion. Although Guyana is a nature lover’s paradise, Georgetown is a city of comfortable, modern hotels and fine colonial buildings. The Hotel Tower in the city’s capital has 57 rooms, and along with providing won- derful accommodations, features three well-equipped venues for spe- cial events with the capacity to seat up to 200. The Cheddi Jagan International Airport is the national airport of Guyana located in the city of Timehri, 25 miles south of Georgetown. Mention Costa Rica and people Black Meetings & Tourism March/April 2010: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 89