Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/3108
Black Meetings & Tourism April/May 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 107 Exotic, r o m a n - tic, relax- i n g , charming – I don't know about you but after a winter of snow and ice it's time for the warm weather and gentle breezes of my favorite island paradise. These small slivers of par- adise are often marketed as carefree vacation hotspots depicting bikini clad women and men with six-pack abs splashing in the azure waters of the Caribbean or Mexico sipping some exotic drink. When people think of island destination most look offshore. I asked a handful of friends "what is your favorite island destinations?" Here are their answers: Jamaica, Hawaii, Fiji, Turks and Caicos, the Bahamas and Bermuda to name a few. Great locales all, but what about islands in the lower 48? In our zeal to seek out the exotic or the different we often overlook the treasures in our own back- yard. Within our borders we have such high-octane destinations as Miami Beach or the slower pace Kiawah Island (KEE-a-wah) off the coast of South Carolina. And if you absolutely must leave the continental U.S., try Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands. Both are U.S. territories that don't require passports or curren- cy exchange and all offer the luxurious accommodations and exotic feel we seek. Before anyone thinks I'm trying to downplay the island destinations of our many friends around the world, I assure you that is not the case. I am simply trying to point out the obvious in the hopes that visiting U.S.-based destinations will spur travel to islands all over the world when the economy recovers. For those who have the means to head overseas, we strongly encourage you to go now and enjoy – the current bar- gains are too good to pass up. For meeting planners, today's tough economic climate has forced many to find less expensive playgrounds closer to home. America's island destinations make excellent venues for meetings, conventions and incentive travel and they are often overlooked. Located off South Carolina's southeast coast, Hilton Head Island conjures up images of world-class golf courses complimented by a host of distinctive hotels and resorts. But Hilton Head offers so much more, with over 250 restaurants, tennis courts, cruises and other outdoors water activities, health spas, beaches, historic tours and shopping all served by an airport with direct flights from many U.S. destinations. Warmed by the nearby Gulf Stream current, Hilton Head's average daytime temperature is a mild 70 degrees. More than half-a-dozen resorts with 150,000 sq. ft. of meeting space call the shores of Hilton Head home. In total, 22 properties offer some form of meeting and convention facilities. Island accommo- dations include over 3,000 hotel/motel rooms, 6,000 villas, and 1,000 timeshare units. Some of the most recognizable brand names in our industry are located on Hilton Head from the Crowne Plaza Hilton Island Beach Resort to the Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa to the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. BY MICHAEL BENNETT BM&T'S ISLAND GUIDE Your Cost-Effective Alternative For a Memorable Meeting Experience