Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/910090
B M & T ••• September/October 2017 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 36 American Market for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism since July of 2014, The Bahamas has made it very clear they want to grow their share of this lucrative $60 billion niche segment. After his appointment, Johnson explained "The Bahamas has always enjoyed a fantastic relationship with African-Americans. Our geographical location, as the first country outside of the United States of America, our easy access, affordability, pre- American Customs and Immigration clearances, coupled with our shared affinity for heritage tourism and culture makes us an ideal destination for African-Americans. "The world knows that The Bahamas has great weather, the best beaches, crystal clear waters and the friendliest people on earth," he continued, "but we want to highlight and celebrate our rich culture, legacy and historical ties that bind African- Americans and Bahamians together, all of which makes us dis- tinctively different from any other destination in the world," said Johnson. When it comes to meeting and event planning, location matters. Jamaica has always done well with the Incentive market, and since the addition of The Montego Bay Convention Centre in 2011, this Caribbean gem can host even bigger confer- ences from around the world. The convention center features include a ballroom of nearly 19,000 sq. ft., just under 11,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and approximately 57,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space. There also is about 37,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space avail- able for meetings, receptions and concerts. Jamaica with its diverse terrain is a welcome delight for meeting groups, with lush mountains, cascading waterfalls and centuries old plantations rich with history and intrigue. Providing a satisfying meetings experience is of paramount importance to all involved in Jamaica's tourism industry. "Tourism is Jamaica's number one indus- try. We are not only committed to the industry, but also to ensuring the best possible environment for our guests, whether here for business or pleasure," says Dittie Guise, General Manager, SMG/Montego Bay Convention Centre. While the Montego Bay Convention Centre may be one of the region's most spectacular meeting spaces, it is by no means the only one. Along with many resort properties and even smaller inns that can accommodate small to midsize meetings, there are some notable Caribbean venues for large groups. The Puerto Rico Convention Center, with 580,000 sq. ft. of space, accommodates groups of up to 10,000. The Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort & Convention in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic offers 24 meeting rooms and space for up to 5,000, plus amenities like a spa, a casino, a disco and an 18-hole golf course. Barbados' largest meeting facility is the 164,000-sq. ft. Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, situated just 10 minutes from capital city, Bridgetown, and 15 minutes from the airport. The center offers meeting space for up to 1,200, 70,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space, a gar- den theatre and four dining rooms with tropical garden views that accommodate up to 600. Each Caribbean destination offers a host of attractions for vis- itors to explore its unique history, arts and architecture. Some of the top events and attractions showcase the island's vibrant and diverse musical heritage. Jamaica is home to the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, a required stop for any visitor interested in the life of the Reggae legend, and the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival is held each January in Montego Bay. Quelbe, the official traditional music of the Virgin Islands, can be described as a "scratch band sound," according to the website of the USVI Department of Tourism. The music was invented by A Ju Ju J gr al O U A o id b ea ri A ti Jo Jo J hnson. S B m d th it th d M th F b o sp A ca n C gr C m sp la an S Montego Bay Convention Centre Nassau Paradise Island Bahamas DITTIE GUISE