Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/187632
•pg_13-27__BMT_pg3-58 9/25/13 1:07 AM Page 18 GUIDE TO MEETING, INCENTIVES AND TRAVELING IN THE BY PATRICIA ANN JORDAN There lies a strong connection and affinity between AfricanAmericans and Caribbean peoples. Both group's ancestries are from the Motherland, Africa. We have that kinship ever imbedded in our souls. Many meeting groups because of this and other factors, which make the Caribbean attractive for hosting meetings, hail it as a prime meetings destination. In fact, Caribbean destinations such as the Bahamas are holding out welcome hands to their African-American Brothers and sisters, not only to host their meeting groups, but to be their tourism destination, as well. The Bahamas prides itself on offering several site visits each year, so meeting planners can take a personal look at what it they offer. To take advantage of this, planners can contact a Bahamas group sales manager. In addition to group sales managers, these islands offer a variety of venues ranging from historical forts to private islands. Always available are professional destination management companies (DMCs), to assist with meeting planning needs. There are 11 island destinations from which to choose to accommodate your incentive and meeting group travel. In Barbados, the meetings and incentive market continues to offer tremendous opportunity and the island strives to strategically continue to pursue this niche mindful that all stakeholders – including airlines, 18 One of USVI many beautiful beachs accommodation suppliers, conference services providers, destination management companies, attractions and the varied support services – stand to benefit in a most orchestrated manner. Ideal for small to medium sized groups of up to 1,200 delegates, the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre offers a shuttle service to and from hotels. Additionally, Barbados enjoys the reputation of possessing a high quality infrastructure, excellent telecommunications and a high safety index which remain integral to successful group planning. Currency is on par with the U.S. dollar and both are accepted interchangeably throughout Barbados. There are over 80 flights daily from North American, Canadian and European gateways. It is easy to move your international, national or regional group CAMPBELL RUDDER business. These and other factors continue to make Barbados an attractive option for meetings and incentives as evidenced by the successful staging of a number of international conferences in recent months. Vice-President, Marketing, USA, Campbell Rudder, indicated that the destination has benefited tremendously from these events and looks forward to sustained interest and excitement B M & T ••• September/October 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com