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66 B M & T ••• September/October 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com AREA GUIDES U S V I THE USVI SETS THE BAR HIGH, MAKING YOUR CLIENT'S EVENT THE MOST MEMORABLE CARIBBEAN EXPERIENCE EVER B Y D O S W E L L I N G R A M From the moment you arrive, you'll find yourself falling naturally in rhythm with the heartbeat of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Experience the rich culture and storied history, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, natural diversity and smiling, friendly people who can't wait to warmly welcome you to America's Caribbean Paradise. Planners looking for an unparalleled destination will find plenty of choices in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Whether planning for a group of CEOs or an incentive retreat with spouses and children in tow, knowledgeable meeting managers and enthusiastic destination management companies (DMCs) are available to supply the latest technology and prepare cre- ative itineraries. Diverse venues range from first-class luxury resorts to smaller, intimate hideaways, to elegant off-site locations for hosting functions. Destina- tion meetings are made easy with non- stop service on most of the major carriers from a variety of U.S. gateways. U.S. citi- zens don't need a passport to enjoy the islands, and favorable tax incentives and global shipping options make transac- tions simple. A must-see for history buffs, St. Croix has flown the flags of Spain, The Netherlands, England, France, the Knights of Malta and Denmark. On the island's northern shore, Christiansted — once the capital of the Danish West Indies — fea- tures 18th-century butter-colored, red- roofed buildings and quaint stone streets. Whether snorkeling the crystal-clear, turquoise waters that surround the island or climbing the steep hills, for those pas- sionate about experiencing nature, St. John is the must-see island. One of the best places to snorkel in the Caribbean, you don't have to venture far from shore to begin interacting with sea turtles and rays as you swim above corals that teem with a kaleidoscope of brilliantly colored fish. On land, more than three dozen hik- ing trails beckon adventurers, crisscross- ing the lush, 5,500-acre Virgin Islands National Park. This preserve protects more than half the island's total footprint and is home to a veritable smorgasbord of flora and fauna. St. Thomas, shopping capital of the Caribbean, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to buy goods duty- free. Yet it's the laid-back lifestyle, ear-to- ear smiles and joy of the people that make this island a must-see for culture- and experience-craving travelers. Sample island favorites such as fish and fungi, kallaloo stew, rice and whelks, pates (savory handmade pies) and dumb bread at a local eatery. You will find locals eager to recommend the best places to eat, shop and explore, as well as introduce trusted friends to show you the island as only a St. Thomas native could. Once meetings let out conference attendees are encouraged to attend one of the rousing carnivals and marvel at stunning costumes, moko jumbies, and parades of people dancing for hours to calypso and Soca music blasted from col- orful floats by local bands. Experience live- ly festivals and events that celebrate everything from the golden mango and delicious Caribbean cuisine to St. Patrick's Day with a tropical twist. Come and join the fun! There are six national parks through- out the three U.S. Virgin Islands. Some are inland and others featuring amazing- ly biodiverse reefs, like St. Croix's Buck Island Reef National Monument. If you're more into hiking and exploring, St. John alone has more than 11,500 acres of protected land as part of the Virgin Islands National Park. Or take a trip into the past with the preserved 19th-century fortifications of Hassel Island, just off St. Thomas. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas 180 Elysian Beach Resort 67 Margaritaville Vacation Club by Wyndham 264 EXHIBITION FACILITIES The ritz-carlton, st. Thomas Total Meeting Space 5,141 sq. ft. Largest Meeting Room Capacity 200 Meeting Rooms 5 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit USVI – (800) 372-USVI www.visitusvi.com One of USVI many splendid Beaches photo credit: USVI