Black Meetings and Tourism

and winter seasons when more air seats come on line. "Canadians tra- ditionally have traveled in large numbers to Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Mexico – now they are taking a serious look at the Eastern Caribbean with the competitive airfares. We need to be seri- ous about hosting them," she remarked, while also expressing opti- mism about the strength of the Caribbean Diaspora travel market across Canada. While in St. Lucia, Canadian writers from the Toronto Sun, Share Newspaper, Wharehouse, Whitesand and FQ magazines sailed aboard Carnival Sailing to Soufrière (the island's former capital), visited the pop- ular Anse La Raye Friday Fish Fry, toured the new and improved Rodney Bay Marina, and dined at The Edge, Dasheene and Ti Bananne restaurants. Pictured here is Chef Richadson Skinner of Ti Bananne Caribbean Bistro and Bar who created some delightful Caribbean creations for his visitors. HILTON CANCUN GOLF & SPA RESORT ON SCHEDULE TO DEBUT NEW MEETING SPACE AND CONVENTION CENTER CONCEPT THIS SUMMER Beachfront Resort Adds Third Ballroom to Only Oceanfront Convention Center in City Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort announced the official opening date for the resort's brand new $2 million Isla Jr. Ballroom and unveiling of its convention center's new name: Peninsula Convention Center at the Hilton Cancun. Scheduled to debut this sum- mer in June, the brand new 5,665-sq. ft. ballroom will form part of the resort's already impressive 43,335-sq. ft. facility – the city's only oceanfront convention center. Designed by Guillermo Villarreal, a local architect known for several upscale residential communities and urban proj- ects, the new space will feature the contemporary 5,665 ocean-view Isla Junior ballroom divisible into six breakout rooms with a total capacity for up to 550 guests, plus an oceanfront patio. The new Isla Jr. Ballroom will be equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and telecommunications sys- tems as well as direct access to the existing Grand Caribe and Miramar ballrooms and outdoor function space. "This exciting addition is in response to a growing demand for meeting space in Cancun and our goal to solidify our position as the destination's leading resort for groups", said Carlos Abaunza, general manager of the resort. "Now more than ever, meeting planners are looking for destinations that not only provide value, but can also complement an event with an environment perfectly suited for entertainment and relaxation. With the only oceanfront convention center in the city, we look forward to welcoming guests to experience all that Cancun has to offer." The renaming of the Peninsula Convention Center at the Hilton Cancun is one component of the 426-room resort's plan to position itself as one of the best options in the city for both leisure and business travelers. The convention center is conveniently situated at one wing of the resort, away from the hotel's leisure activities, offering both business and leisure travelers their own pri- vate area. With nearly 110,000 sq. ft. of combined indoor and outdoor meetings space, the Peninsula Convention Center at the Hilton Cancun will feature 49,000 sq. ft. of indoor space including two ballrooms, the new Isla Jr. Ballroom and 22 breakout rooms, and 60,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space including a private beach and garden area. From intimate gatherings and business meetings to elegant galas and full-scale, hi-tech themed events, the Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort delivers exceptional amenities, attentive service and an unforgettable ambiance. The Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort is located just 15 minutes from the Cancun International Airport and five minutes away from Cancun's world-class shopping malls, marinas and attractions. To book a meeting at the Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort, meeting planners should call +52-998-881-8000 or visit www.hiltoncancun.com. CHEF RICHADSON SKINNER Black Meetings & Tourism June/July 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com c O r n e r 23

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