Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/972111
3 CONTENTS 2 2 2 2 VOLUME 25, ISSUE 3, 2018 4 Publisher's Message 5 Calendar of Events 6 In The News 8 Center of Attention 10 Hotel Happenings 12 Newsmakers 21 TCOP NEWS Brirfs 24 Caribbean Corner 26 Cruise News 30 From The Motherland 32 Travel Data 33 Anguilla 34 Georgia 36 Minneapolis 37 Mississippi 40 Washington, DC 14 14 28 28 B M & T ••• March/April 2018 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com Photo Credit: Simon Dannhauer BL ACK MEETING & TOURISM COVER STORY FEATURES DEPARTMENT A R E A G U I D E S According to a recent research study surveying both corporate and association meeting planners across the country, Florida is ranked the highest state for affordable travel, accessibility and value. Add to this the state's beautiful weather and diverse hotel and venue opportuni- ties, and Florida is the perfect meetings, conventions, and incentive trav- el destination. Meeting In 'The Sunshine State' Just Got Brighter With New Renovations And Upgrades offers insight into why Florida ranks so high with meeting planners. By Solomon J. Herbert II One of the most substantial forms of travel worldwide focuses on visiting friends and relatives (VFR.) This is noted as a significant reason for travel amongst the multicultural tourism population, who have demonstrated the largest growth, percentagewise, over the past several years. In Fort Lauderdale Will Meet And Exceed Expectations Of Multicultural Conference Planners Albert Tucker explores VFR travel and talks about tourism developments in Fort Lauderdale, includ- ing the American Tennis Association's new national tennis center, hall of fame and museum currently in the works. By Victoria Head Meeting In Dallas Is Tops reports on why this popular city is the top event and meeting destination in Texas. With more than 13,000 Downtown Dallas area hotel rooms, 35 new hotel projects in the works and a booming 1 million-sq. ft. convention center, Dallas has an accommodation type and price point for every preference and budget. Paradise beach, Fort Lauderdale By Reggie Murphy