Black Meetings and Tourism

January / February 2020

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B M & T ••• January/February 2020 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 37 B A R B A D O S BAJAN MEETING EXPERIENCE RICH MIXTURE OF CULTURE, MOUTHWATERING CUISINE AND WORLD- CLASS FACILITIES B Y M i l e s F r a z i e r "We Gatherin' Barbados" is the 2020 theme for this eclectic mix of a nation state. The culture of Barbados is a blend of West African, Portuguese, Creole, Indian and British cultures present in this beautiful tropical island dstination. Citizens are officially called Barbadians. There are 61 hotels and 4,177 sleep- ing rooms in Barbados, which measures 166 Sq. Miles and has a population: 287, 415. English is the official language and the Capital City is Bridgetown. From trade shows and conventions to seminars and workshops, the island's world-class business facilities can accom- modate nearly any function. As an added convenience, on-island destination man- agement companies can assist you in arranging your entire itinerary, including transfers, 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 minutes 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 center in Barbados, boasting 11 meeting rooms with a maximum capacity of 1,400 in the largest room. From intimate meeting rooms to large conference halls suitable for conferences, exhibitions, weddings, banquets and award ceremonies, the cen- ter 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 high- ways, accommodation and air transfers. The Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre is indeed flexible, functional, comfortable and convenient. 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 meeting facilities is the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex. Besides the fully air-conditioned sports complex that seats close to 5,000 peo- ple, the facility boasts two meeting rooms, the larger of which seats 90 the- atre-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, includ- ing Needham's Ballroom accommodating up to 570 guests, and three meeting rooms that can be divided into six break rooms. The historic Sam Lord's Castle proper- ty, which was constructed in 1820 and was once the flagship of Barbados' hotel plant, is being restored to its former glory. Slated for completion in 2021, the Hotel will sit on 27.2 acres. Barbados lays claim to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the most tranquil of which are on the island's western shore. Surfers flock to the east- ern — or windward — side of the island to take advantage of prime surfing waters. The bustling streets of Bridgetown offer visitors a sampling of local culture as well as Bajan cuisine. The Barbados Museum in the capital gives tourists a quick overview of the island's history. Mount Gay rum distillery, not far from Bridgetown, offers tours as well as samples. The island also features several restored plantation homes, including Drax Hall, St. Nicholas Abbey and Sunbury Plantation House. The largest carnival-like cultural event that takes place on the island is the Crop Over festival, which was established in 1974. To enter Barbados all visitors must have a passport and a valid return ticket. Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), just 8 miles from the center of the capital city Bridgetown, serves the island. • • • 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 22 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Lioyd Erskine Sandford Center Total Meeting Space 70,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 11 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Barbados Tourism Authority (800) 221-9831 AREA GUIDES Hilton Barbados Resort Photo Credit: Baebados Tourism Authority

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