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AREA GUIDES BARBADOS EXPERIENCE GREAT MEETINGS MIXED WITH ISLAND PLEASURE IN THIS CARIBBEAN HOTSPOT BY SOLOMON J.HERBERT II Barbados' business centers, support services and daily international and regional air service — combined with its exquisite beaches, fine dining and ample recreation—create the perfect blend of business and pleasure for corporate meetings and events. The island's world- class conference facilities accommodate virtually any function, from trade shows and conventions to seminars and work- shops, with a selection of venues that provides a choice of settings to suit any agenda. With special group rates avail- able at many hotels, excellent value can be found in convenient settings, where fine service and hospitality make groups feel at home. The Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre (LESC) managed by Barbados Confer- ence Services Limited is undeniably the crown jewel of Barbados' meeting facili- ties. The centre overlooks the lush St. George Valley and is a state-of-the-art facility conveniently located just twomiles from Bridgetown, and minutes from the South and West Coasts. With over 100,000 sq. ft. of air-conditioned usable floor space, the centre is designed for superior flexibility, productivity, comfort and convenience. It can also comfortably accommodate events for as few as 10 persons to as many as 1,200 persons – theatre style seating. The Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex (the Complex), which is situat- ed inWildey, St.Michael, was opened as a sporting facility in November 1992. The Construction of the Complex was part of a strategic initiative by theGovernment of Barbados to promote sports tourism. The Complex, which is fully air-condi- tioned, is the island's premier indoor multi-purpose facility, conceived and 56 designed as a venue for large sporting and cultural events. The complex has a seating capacity of approximately 4,500 to 5,000 persons and is equipped with two conference rooms that seat up to 100 people per room. Both rooms come equipped with T.V & Video, Overhead Projector and Flipchart boards upon request. The Accra Beach Hotel & Spa, a 224- room resort, offers panoramic views of the island, pool or ocean. Other ameni- ties include Accra Beach's own Chakra Spa, a hair salon, a fitness centre with state of the art equipment, a games-room and conference facilities.Overlooking the moonlit ocean is the 'Coco Patch' restau- rant, serving Caribbean and International cuisine. For specialty dining, there is the 'Wytukai' restaurant, the only Polynesian Restaurant on the island, which offers a unique fusion of music, décor, and authentic cuisine. The hotels' four meet- ing rooms and boardroom total 6,500 sq. ft. of meeting space fully equipped with high-speed internet access and video conferencing facilities. At theHilton Barbados Resort you can idle the day away in their vast pool com- plex, with cascading falls, whispering palms and infinity pools. Try deep-sea fishing and catamaran cruising, or dive down to explore shipwrecks and vivid reefs. The Hilton Barbados Resort fea- tures over 10,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. These facilities include a 4,000-sq. ft. Hilton Meetings complex, a business centre, a boardroom with 8-hour chairs, boasting ergonomic design for long term seating, threemeeting rooms that can be divided into six breakout rooms and a 6,200-sq. ft. ballroom that holds up to 570 people. Wireless internet access is also available in all public areas. Discover the wealth of Bajan her- itage and natural wonders that make this island such a unique gem in the Caribbean. Explore the museums, visi- tor centers, Barbados National Trust properties and collection of historical churches. Tour charming chattel hous- es, stroll the pristine beaches, visit majestic plantation homes and tour hid- den caves for a prehistoric peek into the past. As you relax in the wonderful warmth of the sun and feel at home with Bajan lifestyle, your curiosity will no doubt be piqued by the beautifully intriguing environment that surrounds you from coast to coast. • • • STATS • • • HOTEL Accra Beach Hotel & Spa Hilton Barbados Resort Amaryllis Beach Resort ROOMS 224 350 150 Discovery Bay by Rex Resorts 88 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre Total Exhibit Space Meeting Rooms 100,000 sq. ft. 10 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Barbados Tourism Authority (800) 744-6244 www.visitbarbados.org Black Meetings & Tourism January/February 2012: www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre Photo Credit: Barbados Tourism Authority