Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/910090
B M & T ••• September/October 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 35 everly Nicholson-Doty, Commissioner of the Department of Tourism, has led the way in reaching out to African-Americans and invit- ing them to meet and vacation in the USVI. Easy to get to because U.S. citizens don't require passports to enter, this territory is part of the United States and the islands are an ideal domestic loca- tion to host meetings of any size. It's no secret, location is every- thing and planners looking for an unparalleled destination will find plenty of choices in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The trio of breathtaking beauties — St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas — offer the perfect setting to enhance your meeting's productivity and create just the right inspira- tion your group will need. Whether planning for a small group of CEOs in St. John or an incentive retreat with spouses and children in tow in St. Thomas or St. Croix, knowl- edgeable meeting managers and savvy destination management companies (DMCs) can supply the latest technology and prepare creative itineraries in an affordable, safe and beautiful Caribbean island destination. Venues range from high attention service luxury resorts to smaller, intimate, hideaways, all with easy access to off-site locations for hosting functions. The USVI provides a professional, yet, low-stress environ- ment for business. As an award-winning Caribbean resort, the 478-room Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott in St. Thomas provides guests with an unmatched experience rich in romantic lore. This island paradise is an ideal set- ting for everything from large-scale annual meetings to corporate retreats. The hotel comes complete with facil- ities to hold a large meeting or conference. The Grand Harbour Ballroom's 14,112 sq. ft. hosts up to 1,200 guests for a variety of events. amenities include spectacular outdoor venues and guest rooms with stunning views of St, Thomas. The expert onsite audiovisual staff ensures flawless execution of meetings and events. High-speed Internet access is available at the resort. When the meetings are over for the day and business is out of the way, it's time to indulge in the pleasures of the destination, like the 18-hole championship golf courses on St. Croix and St. Thomas. Adventurous colleagues can expesrience the thrill of yacht racing, hop aboard a wave runner, dive unfath- omable depths, swim with the Caribbean's only sea lions or feel the warm trade winds on horseback. For more stress-free options, indulge in signature spa treatments, lounge on the deck of a catamaran or revel in the unmis- takable splendor of our awesome beaches. Remember to carve out some time for a shopping excur- sion. With a $1,600 duty-free allowanceper person and discounts of 20-40% on coveted items, you can take home something for everyone on your gift list. With Linville Johnson serving as the director of the African- ta b so si al o ca ev th e n t- et e is e a- y- n d n g e nd create just the right inspira- y y e n- m t. e t- o l- d ts ar of es I t t i il bl t h- ns e s, s- e ut r- r- r e ts u or as n- Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Beach Resort USVI USVI Annaberg Ruins - St. John One of USVI many Beach's everly Depar reachin ing them to meet B to p p is ti th u p Is beauties — St Croix S LINVILLE JOHNSON BEVERLY NICHOLSON-DOTY