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B M & T ••• July/August 2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 47 BAJAN MEETING EXPERIENCE RICH MIXTURE OF CULTURE, MOUTHWATERING CUISINE AND WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES B Y R U F U S M C K I N N E Y Business is always a pleasure in Barbados. The island's conference centers, support resources and daily international and regional air service, when combined with the lively culture, exceptional dining and abundant recreational pursuits, create the ideal setting for any corporate meeting or event. From trade shows and conventions to seminars and workshops, the island's world-class business facilities can accommodate nearly any func- tion. As an added convenience, on- island destination management com- panies can assist you in arranging your entire itinerary, including trans- fers, sightseeing tours and confer- ence support. Plus with many hotels offering special group rates, meeting in Barbados can be as reasonable as it is unforgettable. With views of the lush St. George Valley, The Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre is conveniently located just two miles from Bridgetown, and min- utes from the South and West Coasts, key business services, hotels, fine dining and shopping, as well as airport and highway access. This facility is the premier event cen- ter in Barbados, boasting 11 meeting rooms with a maximum capacity of 1,400 in the largest room. From inti- mate meeting rooms to large confer- ence halls suitable for conferences, exhibitions, weddings, banquets and award ceremonies, the center can comfortably accommodate your next event with 70,000 sq. ft. of adjustable exhibit space. LESC's central location makes it the ideal meeting place for the discerning client with easy access to highways, accommodation and air transfers. The Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre is indeed flexible, functional, comfortable and conven- ient. Make Barbados and LESC the choice for your next meeting. Numerous properties in Barbados include conference facilities and are designed to accommodate the needs of business professionals. In addition to the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, one of the island's top meet- ing facilities is the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex. Besides the fully air-conditioned sports complex that seats close to 5,000 people, the facil- ity boasts two meeting rooms, the larger of which seats 90 theatre-style and the smaller, 50 persons. Another option for planners is the 350-room Hilton Barbados Resort, boasting the most extensive hotel meeting and conference facilities on the island, including Needham's Ballroom accommodating up to 570 guests, and three meeting rooms that can be divided into six break rooms. When the workday is done, for those who aspire for more than just a day spent upon flawless white beach- es and beneath perfect blue skies, Barbados offers a number of exciting diversions to satisfy even the most adventurous souls. Offshore, the ocean beckons with the call of a char- tered deep sea fishing excursion or a diving expedition to explore the ship- wreck capital of the Caribbean. Various sites on the island tell a story of Barbados' rich culture. The Arlington House was built in the "sin- gle" house style that Barbadian set- tlers carried to Charleston, S.C. This restored 18th century merchant's house is now a museum that tells sto- ries of sugar, seafaring, and trade. Each of the three floors has a differ- ent theme. Enter a canefield, pilot a ship, meet a pirate, listen to the locals talk about their town, or eavesdrop on Emancipation rumors — this museum is interactive fun for the whole family. To enter Barbados all visitors must have a passport and a valid return ticket. Most countries around the world don't require a visa to visit Barbados. The Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) lies 8 miles from the center of the capital city Bridgetown, in an area officially known as Seawell. AREA GUIDES • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Barbados Resort 350 Sandals Barbados 280 Sandals Royal Barbados 222 Savannah Beach Hotel 93 The Club Barbados Resort & Spa 161 Accura Beach Hotel & Spa 224 EXHIBITION FACILITIES LIoyd Erskine Sandford Center Certer Total Exhibit Space 70,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 11 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Barbados Tourism Authority (800) 221-9831 B A R B A D O S Hilton Barbados Resort copy Photo Credit: Loiyd Erskine Sandford C,C