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B M & T ••• November/December 2024 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 73 "THE LAND OF THE HUMMINGBIRD" PROVIDES GROUPS WITH. A PICTURESQUE BACKDROP MATCHED WITH TOP LEVEL HOSPITALIT Y B Y D O S W E L L I N G R A M Welcome to a modern, cosmopolitan, naturally beautiful island. Trinidad is the most southerly island in the Caribbean Sea. It is one of the two islands that make up the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the other being Tobago. One of the things that makes this destination distinctively Trinidadian is the warmth and friendliness of its people. When you arrive at Trinidad you'll know that you have arrived at the place that is always in season! The island is located outside the hurri- cane belt, making it a haven for yacht owners throughout the region. The water temperature year-round is 24-29 C / 75- 82 F, encouraging aquatic activities; including surfing, world-class diving, sport fishing, kite surfing and paddle boarding. Why not hold your next meeting in one of the world's most exciting emerging destinations? Whether you're planning a meeting, incentive, conference, or exhibi- tion, Trinidad has some of the most beau- tiful and unique venues in all of the Caribbean. Trinidad boasts the largest conference center in the English-speaking Caribbean, and many hotels have facilities for confer- ences, including international brands like the Hyatt Regency Trinidad and Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre. In addition to this, there is the magnificent, state-of- the-art National Academy for the Performing Arts, which serves several pur- poses in the MICE market. The island is equipped with 8 major meeting and conference venues, a large indoor meeting space of 43,000 sq. ft., academic and sport venues with state-of- the-art facilities as well as superb banquet facilities and catering services. From global summits and major inter- national events to meetings, conferences and exhibitions, here are some of the con- ference and meeting facilities that have earned Trinidad the title of "Business Capital of the Southern Caribbean". The list includes Anchorage Beach Club, Arthur Lok Jack Graduate School of Business, Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge, Cara Suites Hotel and Conference Centre, Centrum Auditorium & Confer- ence Center and the Central Bank Auditorium. This West Indian destination also serves as a prime setting for unique events such as destination weddings, company retreats as well as family and fraternal reunions. Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival is known as the "Greatest Show on Earth," renowned for its vibrancy as the world's most authentic carnival celebration. The highlight of Trinidad's carnival experience is the grand street parade on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, although festivities begin just after Christmas and culminate on Ash Wednesday. Expect dozens of high- energy parties and premier cultural compe- titions along the way. It's a colorful and exuberant festival showcasing this beauti- ful destination's rich cultural heritage. Trinidad and Tobago Carnival will take place from 3rd to 4th March 2025. Numerous cultural events precede the street parade on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, including fetes (parties), Canbou- lay/Kambule, stick fighting, calypso com- petitions, soca competitions, steel pan competitions, and more. Revelers partici- pate in playing mas throughout the parade. Trinidadians take nightlife and enter- tainment seriously. Trinis are "Limers" and the word "Liming" is equivalent to 'Hanging Out' whether with one person or a group of friends. There is a multitude of roadside food and drink vendors, bars, nightclubs, lounges and VIP clubs with siz- zling cocktails to keep you entertained all night. If the need for a concert, play or movie arises, you're covered too. AREA GUIDES T R I N I D A D • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hyatt Regency Trinidad 428 Radisson Hotel Trinidad 243 Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre 405 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Hyatt Regency Trinidad Total Meeting Space 43,000 sq. ft. Largest Room Capacity 16,000 sq. ft. Meeting Rooms 13 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Visit Trinidad – (868) 612-7412 www.visittrinidad.tt Hyatt Regency Trinidad photo credit: Visit Trindad