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B M & T ••• July August 2022 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 40 AREA GUIDES B A R B A D O S BAJAN MEETING EXPERIENCE RICH MIXTURE OF CULTURE, MOUTHWATERING CUISINE AND WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES BY RUFUS McKINNEY Business is always a pleasure in Barbados. The island's conference cen- ters, support resources and daily interna- tional and regional air service, when com- bined 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 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 pre- mier 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 confer- ences, 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 trans- fers. 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-condi- tioned sports complex that seats close to 5,000 people, the facility 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, includ- ing 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 beaches 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 chartered 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 "single" house style that Barbadian settlers carried to Charleston, S.C. This restored 18th cen- tury merchant's house is now a museum that tells stories of sugar, seafaring, and trade. Each of the three floors has a dif- ferent 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 official- ly known as Seawell. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Barbados Resort 350 Sandals Barbados 280 Sandals Royal Barbados 222 The Club Barbados Resort & Spa 161 Accura Beach Hotel & Spa 224 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Lioyd Erskine Sandiford Centre Total Exhibit Space: 70,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms: 11 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Barbados Tourism Authority (800) 221-9831 Hilton Barbados Resort