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B M & T ••• November/December 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 39 AREA GUIDES T R A N I D A D & TA B A G O MEET IN THE "CULTURE CAPITAL OF THE CARIBBEAN" FOR AN EXOTIC GETAWAY AND AN EVENTFUL MEETING B Y : S O L O M O N H E R B E R T I I Trinidad and Tobago comprises a unique mix of races and cultures that can be traced back to Africa, India, Europe, the Middle East and China. The influ- ences of the native American Indians are also prominent features of local culture. Because of its very diverse culture these pristine islands serve as a perfect backdrop for group meetings of various demographics. It's the perfect place to handle business and play at the same time. Located on a hilltop overlooking the iconic Queen's Park Savannah, The Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre offers guests an ideal location, spacious accom- modations and breathtaking views of the city of Port of Spain as well as the Northern Range mountains. This venue serves as a great option for holding small to medium size events with its compara- ble meetings space. Planners also have the option to take advantage of the geo- graphical location, holding receptions and breakouts outdoors. Beautifully landscaped and situated in the tranquil island of Tobago, Rovanel's Resort & Conference Center is without a doubt the quintessence of resorts. At Rovanel's you come face to face with exotic Caribbean splendor. Towering coconut palm trees surround this lavish resort, which is ideally situat- ed amidst a variety of tropical foliage and a wide array of local and exotic ani- mals. Rovanel's is set on 5 acres of lush, coconut fringed park and is just a few minutes drive from the A.N.R. Robinson International Airport and one of Tobago's most popular beaches Store Bay. Trinidad & Tobago is more than a Caribbean meeting and holiday paradise. Both islands also have an assortment of active holidays: biking and hiking tours in the rainforest, sailing a kayak through the mangroves, diving to the underwater reefs and much more against a stunningly beautiful natural backdrop. Known as the undisputed "Culture Capital" of the Caribbean, these islands are home to a world of festivals repre- senting the diverse people who settled here. With a reputation as the biggest street party on earth, Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival is officially celebrated on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday every year. The Carnival fes- tivities start just after Christmas and con- tinue until Ash Wednesday-loaded with dozens of high-energy parties and pre- mier cultural competitions. Carnival Monday opens with J'Ouvert at 4am, when revelers parade through the streets immersed in paint, grease and mud until sunrise. Later in the day on Monday and all day on Carnival Tuesday, thousands of mas- queraders flood the streets throughout the islands in bold, colorful costumes, dancing through the parade routes to the exhilarating sounds of soca, steel- pan and calypso music. Persons entering Trinidad & Tobago require a valid passport from their country of citizenship. Passports must be valid for six months after the date of their depar- ture. Visitors must also have an onward or return ticket to enter the country. Visas are not required for most countries unless you plan to stay longer than 90-days. The international airport in Trinidad is the Piarco International Airport and it is 15 miles from the capital, Port of Spain. ANR Robinson International Airport is located 8 miles from Tobago's capital, Scarbo-rough at the southern end of the island. Travel between Trinidad and Tobago is easy, via several scheduled flights between airports, which is a 25-minute flight time for the cost of US$24 return or high-speed ferry from capital city to capi- tal city, which takes 2 ½ hours at a cost of US$15 return. Maracas Trinidad Photo Credit: T&TT DC • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre 405 Rovanel's Resort & Conference Centre 62 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Hyatt Regency Trinidad Total Meeting Space 43,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 13 Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre Total Exhibit Space 25,000 sq. ft. Rovanel's Resort & Conference Centre Meeting Rooms 3 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Go Trinidad & Tobago (868) 675-7034 www.gotrinidadandtobago.com