Black Meetings and Tourism

July/Aug 2013

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•Pg_44-58_ICI__BMT_pg86-162 8/12/13 9:03 PM Page 55 BARBADOS AREA GUIDES BAJAN MEETING EXPERIENCE RICH MIXTURE OF CULTURE, MOUTH WATERING CUISINE AND WORLD-CLASS FACILITIES BY SOLOMON J. HERBERT II 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 function. As an added convenience, on-island destination management companies can assist you in arranging your entire itinerary, including transfers, sightseeing tours and conference 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. Its 10 meeting rooms accommodate from as few as 10 persons to as many as 1,200 – theatre-style seating with a total of 100,000 sq. ft. of usable floor space. Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex is a multipurpose facility accommodating 4,000 for conferences, conventions, concerts, exhibitions, banquets and dinners. The facility consists of an air-conditioned gymnasium equipped with large public balconies and excellent lighting, sound system and media facilities and also features lawn tennis courts, aquatic center with Olympic-size pool and an Astroturf hockey field. The Hilton Barbados Resort is a great option for meeting planners choosing a location that houses attendees as well as the conference itself. Facilities include The Needham's Ballroom with a 6,200 sq. ft. capacity, holding 570 guests. The total square footage including the complex is 10,000 with high-speed internetaccess, executive boardroom, three meeting rooms, business centre, exhibition centre and a The Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre special group registration area. The Accra Beach Hotel, The Crane Residential Resort, and the Amaryllis Beach Resort are also excellent choices of hotels with meeting space in Barbados. While in Barbados conference attendees as well as leisure travelers are encouraged to explore the beauty and tranquility of this exciting island. Music festivals, sporting events, culinary affairs and performing arts – here the calendar is brimming with exciting opportunities and unforgettable experiences. Whether it's a cricket match at the famed grounds of Kensington Oval or a Food & Wine festival in the heart of Bridgetown, every day brings something new to discover in Barbados. Crop Over is Barbados' biggest and bestloved festival, which sees the whole island taken over by the party spirit. Events last five weeks (July-August) and revelers can expect a heavy mix of live music, dancing, carnival, markets, cultural presentations and more. Campbell C AMPBELL R UDDER Rudder, vice president Marketing USA for the Barbados Tourism Authority based at New York, is responsible for all marketing and public relations initiatives for the island focused on increasing visibility and the trending growth of Photo Credit: Barbados Tourism Authority the island within the US market. 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 12.9 km (8 mi.) from the centre of the capital city Bridgetown, in an area officially known as Seawell. The airport lies in the southeastern portion of the parish of Christ Church, close to the southern tip of the entire island. The airport is provided with easy access to the ABC highway/highway 7 heading towards the capital and locations to the north and west coast of the island. The Grantley Adams Airport also serves as the main air-transportation hub for the Eastern Caribbean. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Hilton Barbados Resort 350 Accra Beach Hotel & Spa 280 The Crane Residential Resort 150 Amaryllis Beach Resort 150 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Lloyd Erskine Sandford Center Total Exhibit Space Meeting Rooms 100,000 sq. ft. 10 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Barbados Tourism Authority (800) 744-6244 www.visitbarbados.org B M & T ••• July/August 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 55

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