Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/3108
Black Meetings & Tourism April/May 2009: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 129 see here that it would take several trips to experience everything the island has to offer. As a commonwealth of the United States, Puerto Rico presents none of the challenges of traveling over- seas with all of the benefits. There is an enticing blend of the exotic and the familiar, the old and the new. The island offers 272 miles of coastline and hun- dreds of beaches. Water sports lovers will enjoy easily accessible activities such as surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, deep-sea fishing and windsurf- ing. The Dominican Republic is the sec- ond largest nation in the Caribbean, with a territory of 18,172 sq. mi. The country occupies the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola, an island that is shared with Haiti. The Dominican Republic can be reached by air in less than two hours from Miami, just over three hours from New York and under an hour from San Juan. The three islands that make up the United States Virgin Islands – St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas – each provide a distinct vibe and flavor just two and a half hours from Miami and three and a half hours from New York. Visitors on St. Croix will enjoy the laid back atti- tude of the first Virgin Island to be spot- ted by Columbus. The historic towns of Fredericksted and Christiansted offer quaint shops, charming pastel buildings and refreshing cultural diversity. St. John is the smallest of the three islands, but perceived by many to be the most beautiful. The liveliest of the three is St. Thomas, home to some of the best din- ing and duty-free shopping in the Caribbean. While it's full of energy, this island also possesses numerous natural splendors, such as stunning views from 1,500 ft. above sea level. All three islands offer unparalleled accommoda- tions and world-class facilities for meet- ing programs. There is no better place to accom- plish your business goals than the US Virgin Islands. Beyond the tax exemp- tions and familiar language, the islands provide a wide array of top-of-the-line conference facilities. Frenchman's Reef and Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort on St. Thomas provides guests with casually sophisticated accommoda- tions overlooking a secluded beach, sweeping vistas of the Caribbean's most majestic harbor along with 11 restau- rants and bars, three swimming pools, and 481 guest rooms. Additionally the property provides 16 meeting rooms totaling 60,000 sq. ft., making it the largest and best-equipped facility in the US Virgin Islands. Although not physically in the Caribbean Sea, Bermuda is often grouped as a Caribbean Island. In fact, the island is located in the Atlantic Ocean 640 miles east of North Carolina and 940 miles north of Nassau. Warm temperatures year round and no rainy season means meeting can be held at any time of year. Temperatures average 85° F in the summer months and 70° F in the winter so it is always a good time to be outdoors in Bermuda. The island boasts a vibrant economy supported by a superb business network. From stately boardrooms to a high-tech amphithe- atre, there is a variety of meeting and conference facilities to be found. When traveling to any of these desti- nations make sure you do additional research. While some destinations such as Puerto Rico and the USVI take US dollars, others such as Jamaica and the Caymans have their own currency. Your dollar is actually worth less in the Caymans. Be aware of the exchange rate before you get to your destination so you have enough cash. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism – (888) 374-6361 www.dominicanrepublic.com Puerto Rico Tourism – (800) 866-7827 www.GoToPuertoRico.com Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (800) Bahamas www.bahamas.com Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (877) 4CAYMAN www.caymanislands.ky Jamaica Tourist Board – (800) 233-4JTB www.visitjamaica.com U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism – (800) 372-USVI www.usvitourism.vi Bermuda Department of Tourism (800) BERMUDA www.bermudatourism.com AREA GUIDES The youth of the Bahama's Photo Credit: Bahamas Ministry of Tourism