B M & T ••• September/October 2016 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com
16
While
U.S. Travel's Brand USA
campaign is helping destina-
tions in the States ramp up their marketing to potential
visitors from abroad, their island neighbors to the east and
south are hoping those travelers don't forget them.
Highlighting attractions that preserve and celebrate their African heritage, a num-
ber of Caribbean destinations – namely Jamaica, US Virgin Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, and The Bahamas
– are
making a special marketing appeal to African-Americans and others in the Diaspora to come and explore their
ancestral connections to these tropical retreats. The invitation is extended to meeting and reunion groups, incen-
tive travelers and vacationers, with the promise of a wide array of amenities to meet their needs and interests.
In fact, Caribbean destinations such as the Bahamas are holding out welcome hands to their African-
American Brothers and sisters, not only to host their meeting groups, but to be their tourism destination, as well.
The Bahamas prides itself on offering several site visits each year, so meeting planners can take a personal
look at what it they offer. To take advantage of this, planners can contact a Bahamas group sales manager.
The Caribbean travel industry has increasingly targeted the international meetings market over the last few
years, with several destinations upgrading their accommodations for larger gatherings. The tourist boards in each
COM
PILE
D
BY
B
UCK
SA
M
U
EL
S
