Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/244474
•Pg_68-82__BMT_pg86-162 1/9/14 1:23 AM Page 76 AREA GUIDES TRINIDAD & TOBAGO MEETING PLANNERS FIND GREAT ACCOMMODATIONS IN THIS TWIN ISLAND WEST INDIAN DESTINATION BY BARTHOLEMULE SIMPSON Nestled in the Southern Caribbean, just seven miles off the coast of Venezuela, is the stunning twin island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. Poised to become the Caribbean's most viable business tourism destination, Trinidad and Tobago has a proven track record for hosting successful regional and international meetings and conferences. The true Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago offers travelers a unique experience like no other. Explore the Caribbean islands' rich history, culture, and biodiversity. Find the perfect accommodation for your trip to Trinidad and Tobago, from villas, bed and breakfast, or hotels. Learn about the many special events taking place throughout the year in Trinidad and Tobago, from Carnival to sporting. Located in the heart of downtown Port of Spain and about 40 minutes from Piarco International Airport, Hyatt Regency Trinidad is the only venue on the island to offer expansive state-of-the-art meeting facilities. With 43,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, the hotel easily accommodates both large and small gatherings. Included in the function space are a 16,000-sq.ft. Regency Ballroom and a 10,000-sq.ft. multipurpose facility. The Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre in Port of Spain is a most unique hotel offering the unique architectural design, amazing vistas, and indulgent amenities, making it the ideal place for any guest. Business travelers have everything necessary for a successful event including more than 40,322 sq. ft. of event space, while leisure guests will find that these facilities and services exceed their expectations. If your mind is set on planning a meeting on the island of Tobago, The Magdalena Grand Beach Resort offers a wide assortment of meeting space options as well as top-level lodging while keeping attendees entertained with all 76 the water sports and fun activities for leisure time. This Caribbean jewel is nestled in the tropical Tobago Plantations Estate, a 750-acre gat-ed community of luxury Tobago suites, villas, condos and bungalows around the Tobago Plantations PGA des-igned Championship (18 holes) Tobago golf course. The resort is equipped with over 5,500 ft. of Tobago conference space including the Colibri Ballroom with 4,671 ft. of column-free space accommodating cocktail parties of 500, banquets of 180, and meetings requiring various set-up styles and floor plan adjustments The islands' most popular attraction is the world-renowned Photo Credit:Hyatt Regency Trinidad "Carnival" celebration. Hyatt Regency, Trinidad This majestic display of excitement International Airport, Trinidad and the A.N.R embraces many of the island's traditions. Robinson International Airport, Tobago. Steel bands, whip wielding devils called Trinidad is a major transport hub in the jab jabs (from French diable), bottle and Caribbean and access to the island from spoon bands and African drumming are key destinations in the US, South America incorporated into the island's celebra- and Europe is easy. Domestic flights and tions. Tobago's Carnival is laid back when • • • STATS • • • compared to the frenzied festivities in HOTEL Trinidad. J'Ouvert revelers covered in ROOMS Hyatt Regency Trinidad mud, men dressed as women or cos428 Hilton Trinidad and Conference tumed in nightgowns and waving chamCentre ber pots, party till daylight on the streets 418 Courtyard Port of Spain of Scarborough, Tobago's capital. 116 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Business travelers and tourists must Hyatt Rregency Trindad produce passports valid for three months total exhibit space longer than the intended stay and a return 43,000 sq. ft. meeting rooms ticket, for entry into Trinidad and Tobago. 14 largest ballroom For tourism and business related visits of 16,000 sq. ft. up to 90 days, visas are not required for WHO YOU GONNA CALL? citizens of the United States, Caricom Go Trinidad and Tobago (except Haiti), European Union and (868) 675-7034 British Commonwealth. www.gotrinidadandtobago.com There are two international airports in Trinidad and Tobago, the Piarco B M & T ••• November/December 2013 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com