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•Pg_50-58__BMT_pg86-162 2/27/13 8:50 AM Page 57 JAMAICA AREA GUIDES MEETING IN PARADISE: NO PROBLEM MON BY SOLOMON J.HERBERT II For centuries, Jamaica has welcomed settlers from all around the world. This small island has played host to the Amerindians who discovered it, to Europeans who fought to own it, to Africans forced to call it home, and to Asians, Indians and Middle Easterners searching for a better life. Each group carried with it a story and tradition, throwing everything into Jamaica's melting pot. After centuries of brewing, all have blended together to give the island its rich history and heritage – an international smorgasbord of legends, cultures and customs, all displayed against the background of Jamaica's beautiful mountains and valleys. Jamaica provides all the amenities for the meeting and incentive planner including convention and conference centers, large and small meeting rooms, exhibit spaces, picturesque locations for hosting off-site events, a variety of attractions, shopping, resort spas and championship golf courses. The first of its kind in the English speaking Caribbean and second in the region, Jamaica now boasts an additional state-of-the-art centre for meetings and events, the Montego Bay Convention Centre. The venue opened on January 7, 2011, seeking to house its capacity of thousands in exquisitely furnished rooms, ranging from 15,00056,000 sq. ft. The Centre is located in the heart of Jamaica's second capital, Montego Bay, and is only a 15-minute drive from the Sangster International Airport. It is also centrally located near Montego Bay's world-class resorts such as the Ritz Carlton, Half Moon, Hilton Rose Hall and Iberostar Resort. A variety of amenities and attractions are just a short distance from the Centre, providing visitors with the true Jamaican experience. Kingston is the commercial capital of Jamaica, and the Jamaica Conference Centre is the ultimate location for all One of many Tranquil Jamaica Beach's things business, located in the heart of the downtown business district. Boasting five Conference Rooms, a 450-bay multi-storey- parking garage and central proximity to major Kingston hotels, this location is chosen time and again for events of all sizes. Right across from the country's central bank, Bank of Jamaica, each conference room of the Jamaica Conference Centre is equipped to facilitate translation into six languages. With all the beautiful scenery and exotic and exciting things to do in Jamaica, conference attendees are sure to be entertained during their stay in paradise. Island Village is the first of its kind in Jamaica – a theme park offering an endless array of activities and stores. It features the top Jamaican stores, selling a range of products such as duty-free items, clothing, souvenirs, specialty goods, CDs, books and art. There's also a Reggae museum, art gallery, arcade, cinema, casino, cyber café and a water sports centre. Port Antonio's bigger beaches, Frenchman's Cove, Winnifred and Boston Bay, are well-traveled, stunning locales. But tracking down the off-thebeaten-path beaches, such as Shanshy Beach and Ras Johnson's Ranch, can be gratifying, providing you with serenity and exposure to the authentic Jamaica and its rustic charms. Each of Jamaica's 12 golf courses has its own unique design, personality and topographical features. From championship courses with Caribbean charm to brand-new, all-inclusive resort courses with seascape views, this island is Photo Credit: Barb Sprangers the golfers ultimate dream. Golf green fees range from US$30-$200, depending on the course. If you are playing on a resort course and not lodging at the resort, there may be an additional visitor fee. U.S. Citizens traveling to and from Jamaica must present a valid passport when leaving and or re-entering the United States. All visitors are required to travel with a return ticket or onward ticket for entry into Jamaica. There are three international airports in Jamaica conveniently located across the island. They are Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica's capital city, and the Ian Fleming International Airport in picturesque Ocho Rios. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Ritz Carlton Jamaica 427 Half Moon 197 Hilton Rose Hall 488 Iberostar Resort 319 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Montego Bay Convention Centre Total Exhibit Space 52,213 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 9 Jamaica Conference Centre Total Exhibit Space 19,800 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 2 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Jamaica (800) JAMAICA www.visitjamaica.com B M & T ••• January/February 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 57