Caribbean Meetings & Incentive Travel

CARIBBEAN

Meetings &

Incentive Travel

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ME E TINGS

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INCENT IVES

CONFERENCES

EVENTS

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M U J E R E S , C A N C U N .

PLEASED TO MEET YOU

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Our impressive convention center, overlooking the lagoon and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation, offers a total of 13,000 ft of meeting space, with a capacity of 1,050 people and plenty of set up options.

Whatever the occasion, our expert team of coordinators will ensure your event is a complete success.

There is a new destination waiting to be discovered.

MICE@PALLADIUMHOTELGROUP.COM

MICEBYPALLADIUM.COM

S PA I N | I TA LY | D O M I N I C A N R E P U B L I C | M E X I C O | J A M A I C A | B R A Z I L

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WELCOME! The Caribbean is increasingly a viable and valued choice for corporate events of all sizes.

We offer a highly personal and specialised service and our diversity makes us appealing to organisers and delegates. Add to that our obvious natural attributes – superb climate, a high standard of accommodation and facilities and a range of extra-curricular activities – and you get a region that’s perfectly placed for world-class MICE tourism.

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Trends in MICE

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Five-star... wow factor venues

The stats and the facts on MICE tourism in the Caribbean Impressive places to do business

10 Why choose the Caribbean?

A plethora of reasons why the region is made for MICE travel

13 Five-star... team activities

Ideas for team building and incentives

14 Five-star... premium cabins

Carriers flying to the Caribbean and offering a business travel-friendly service

16 Fact file

Need-to-know facts for the buyers and arrangers of MICE travel

17 Members list

Airlines, accommodation providers, tour operators and more

Carol I. Hay Director of Marketing UK & Europe, Caribbean Tourism Organization

Published by Selling Travel, BMI Publishing Ltd, Suffolk House, George Street, Croydon CR9 1SR, UK. Tel: +44 (0)20 8649 7233 Fax: +44 (0)20 8649 7234 Email: enquiries@bmipublishing.co.uk Website: www. bmipublishing.co.uk Managing Editor: Steve Hartridge, Publisher: Sally Parker, Editor: Laura Gelder, Writers: Sarah Woods, Natasha Blair and Gary Noakes, Senior Designer: Louisa Horton, Designer: Ross Clifford, Production Manager: Clare Hunter, Production Administrator: Steve Hunter, Managing Director: Matt Bonner | The natural and human environment is important to us. We take great care to ensure that the paper products used to produce this brochure, are manufactured from timber which is sourced from responsibly managed and harvested forests. Credit cover image: Artem Pochepetsky.

LovetheCaribbean @_LoveCaribbean

Glamour Luxury Destination Concierge Leading DMC Jamaica …..In relentless pursuit to experience

Glamour, with the creative advantage in Destination Management in Jamaica, has perfected the art of service excellence and exceeding expectations.

groupevents@glamourdmc.com

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trends in MICE

business travel

insights Globally, the MICE market is tipped to reach $1.2 billion by 2023 and the Caribbean region is keen to grab a slice of the action. Sarah Woods finds out more

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hese big-hitting figures come out of a study by Allied Market Research, a market research and advisory company of Allied Analytics LLP, which shows that the MICE tourism sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) is experiencing impressive growth at a rapid pace, fuelled by international business travel and the rise in government initiatives.

With a legendary reputation for warm welcoming smiles and all-embracing hospitality, the main players in the Caribbean’s tourism sector are perfectly poised to capitalise on MICE tourism.

Spanning 1,063,000 square miles, the wow-appeal of the Caribbean’s 7,000 paradisiacal islands is undeniable: a byword for laid-back decadence and unbeatable tropical allure. For the MICE market, the Caribbean offers planners an easy sell to delegates and attendees: a trip to paradise is not something many folk will turn down.

What’s more, the costs, the logistics and the infrastructure are highly competitive so organisationally it’s a major draw.

High-profile gatherings of heads of states, trade conventions, exhibitions, conferences and sales incentives all have their home

here, with planners citing world-class MICE facilities, extra-curricular activities and regular direct flights from the UK and U.S. as the reason.

Certainly there are plenty of activities for delegates to enjoy during downtime: incredible birdlife, dolphins, turtles and a rainbow of fish can be sighted from idyllic soft-sand beaches. Visit working artisan studios, do some tax free shopping or indulge in some pampering at a spa.

If your delegates are foodies, the gourmet restaurants, grill shacks, rum distilleries and beach hut bistros are certain to please.

There are also some great live music venues, clubs and chic bars to meet the local Calypso kings and dance to steel pan bands or mingle at a reggae jam.

First and foremost

MICE has become a major focus for the islands of Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, The Bahamas, The Cayman Islands, St. Kitts, Saint Lucia, Antigua, Jamaica, Martinique, St Maarten, Curaçao, Puerto Rico and the British Virgin Islands (BVIs), where dedicated teams of meeting planners boast first-rate local expertise. Not only do they book hotels and meeting space and secure the best speakers but they will also advise on food and beverage options, arrange shuttles and suggest quirky team building activities – an excellent proposition for anyone organising a truly world-class MICE event.

Considerable investment by Barbados Marketing Inc. has expended its MICE niche with notable success, attracting the offshore business sector. Several hotel properties are capable of hosting MICE functions, with the

Business is better in the Caribbean

largest able to accommodate 570 attendees.

In addition, the state of the art, stand-alone conference facility Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre in Bridgetown boasts over 100,000 sq. ft. of multi-purpose event space suitable for all conferences, conventions, meetings and exhibitions for up to 1,400.

Trinidad and Tobago is another MICE contender, with the Hyatt Regency Trinidad’s ocean views and 43,000 square feet of flexible event space a popular choice.

Another good option is the Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre, with 26,000 square feet of meeting space and 15 breakout rooms, overlooking the turquoise Gulf of Paria.

Get involved

Cooking lessons, community volunteering and sunset rum cruises are just some of the team-building activities offered by the MICE team in The Bahamas. The planning team provide a turn-key experience across multiple islands, with New Providence Island’s Bahamian Riviera resort Baha Mar being the jewel in the crown with its three

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trends in MICE

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The Caribbean offers world-class MICE facilities, extracurricular activities and regular direct flights from the UK

\' '\ Au Coin Waterfall, Grenada

luxury hotels, 100,000-square-foot casino, a 2,000-seat performing arts centre and art gallery, two spas, 40 restaurants and bars, an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, 30 designer retail boutiques and more than 20 acres of landscaped beach.

There are some great team building options in the Caribbean. Swim with friendly stingrays in the Cayman Islands; tackle the rainforest-clad peaks of Montserrat with a guided hike taking in waterfalls, rare birds and ancient petroglyphs; or try out kite surfing or kayaking in St Martin.

big business

After successfully staging a 1,300-delegate event on behalf of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Government of Jamaica, World Bank Group, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Jamaica was chosen as the host of the 37th Caribbean Travel Marketplace at the Montego Bay Convention Centre.

Meanwhile the commercial and financial centre of Curaçao is a major destination for meetings, conventions, incentives, and  conferences, with the beachfront Hilton

Sunset views from a hammock

St. Vincent and the Grenadines -

International flights and upgraded hotels means St. Vincent and the Grenadines is ready to welcome you to the Caribbean.

And when business is done, discover cascading waterfalls, eco adventures, diving, snorkelling and a whole lot more… svgtourismeurope@gmail.com

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JEREMIE TRONET

make it your choice for meetings, events and incentive travel

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trends in MICE

Curaçao the largest resort meeting complex, boasting event space of over 8,068 square feet.

Smaller meetings are well catered for in the British Virgin Islands (BVIs), with 76-person event space at the sea-facing Treasure Isle Hotel and team building sailing charters from the Scrub Island Resort.

On the island of St. Kitts, the Saddle Hill Adventure Park hosts a variety of adrenalinepumping private team-building events at its artificial rock climbing wall, laser tag field, 50-foot giant swing (dubbed ‘the screamer’), human maze and challenge course.

At just 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, Saint Lucia is easily navigable by visitors and has a proven history of MICE tourism, including some high-profile VIP events.

Dedicated programmes include rainforest adventures, street party nights, volcano climbs, spa and health experiences, coastline horse rides and deep sea

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Reasons to book now

• A range of airlines offering

different price points for direct and non-direct flights

• Caribbean destinations offer high perceived value at very affordable prices

A massage with a view

fishing trips. Venues on Saint Lucia can accommodate groups of five to 500 guests.

Each Caribbean destination has a unique character: spiritually, geographically and culturally. Choose the character and facilities that match your needs but remember that wherever you go, the region has a longstanding affection for all tourists and will welcome delegates with open arms.•

• A huge variety of extra-curricular activities on land and at sea, themed around wildlife and conservation, gastronomy, culture, live music, volunteering and more • On-going infrastructure

development and airport upgrades

• Many Caribbean destinations

are offering earth-friendly MICE packages and programmes

Arrive a group.

Leave a team.

Capture your attendees’ attention with sun-swept beaches. Inspire them with authentic Southern Caribbean sights and water sports. And the elevated accommodations, dining and hospitality will really get them on board. Elegant Hotels has the property and group package that is right for you. Ask how you can make planning easier with Value Add Offers For Meetings & Incentive Travel.

0800-9173078 and 001-954 625 3718 Email: reservations@eleganthotels.com www.eleganthotels.com

Barbados • St. Lucia • Antigua

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5...wow factor venues

The Caribbean isn’t short on event venues but here are five spaces which offer big impact or quintessential Caribbean vibes, says Gary Noakes

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Brimstone Hill Fortress, St. Kitts

This huge 17th century hilltop citadel stands nearly 800 ft. (244m) above the sea and the views of neighbouring islands and St. Kitts itself are spectacular.

Abandoned by the British in the 1850s, it is now a restored UNESCO World Heritage site. The rooftop Parade Level can accommodate 300 for drinks or 120 for dining any evening. A conference room in the Prince of Wales Bastion, holding up to �24, is available all day. � �

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T20 Cricket, Barbados

Forget endless Test matches, 20:20 (20 overs) cricket is fast and entertaining and an ideal corporate event. The Barbados Tridents (strapline: Cricket. Played.

Louder.) compete in the Caribbean Premier League at the Kensington Oval watched by 15,000-strong crowds in a party atmosphere.

Their home ground, just outside Bridgetown, has 46 hospitality suites equipped to facilitate translators and suitable for big events or trade shows and small workshops or meetings.

Puerto Rico Convention Center

San Juan’s 600,000 sq. ft. (183,000 sqm) Convention Center can justly claim to be the Caribbean’s largest and most technologically advanced. Its capacity peaks at 16,576, but there are many smaller spaces and meeting rooms. A ballroom holding 3,900 and terrace with reception space for 1,200 make this a one-stop shop. San Juan has a huge range of quality hotels, and its beaches and historic Old San Juan will please all.

Atlantis, paradise island The Bahamas

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Rose Hall, Jamaica

This 18th century plantation house, immaculately restored in the 1960s and now resplendent with period furniture and decor, is a grand setting for indoor or outdoor events. Grounds stretching from mountains to sea permit large-scale live music staging and al fresco dining, while indoors is perfect for a cocktail reception. The house is half a mile from the 139,000 sq. ft. Montego Bay Convention Centre and within the grounds is the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa.

One of the Caribbean’s ultimate destinations for meetings and events, this ocean-themed resort’s conference centre has group meeting facilities and conference services with state-of-the-art A/V equipment.

It can accommodate up to 4,000 guests and features the 50,000 sq. ft. Imperial Ballroom, over 40,000 sq. ft. of pre-function space, 30 break-out rooms, three boardrooms, a large staging area and a banquet kitchen.

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sponsored feature

ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND

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tlantis Paradise Island is a will find a new lobby, new guest corridors and lush, oceanside resort in new guest rooms and suites.

The Bahamas. A dynamic destination that launched 22 MARINE CONSERVATION years ago as a first-of-its-kind modern The ocean-themed resort is built around marvel of nature and engineering, Atlantis Aquaventure, an innovative 141-acre has embarked on a new chapter tied to a waterscape of thrilling slides and river rides, meaningful connection with the ocean, pools and white sand beaches, and Bahamian culture and the spirit of features one of the largest its 7,300-plus employees. open-air marine habitats The resort’s new and in the world, with over ALL NEW immersive programming 50,000 marine animals Atlantis will announce connects guests to the from 250 species. In more renovations and rich history, art, people, addition to various upgrades in the coming food and festivities of habitats across the months, including The Bahamas. Atlantis is property, guests are redesigned rooms and Bahamas at heart. able to visit Dolphin suites at The Royal Cay, the 14-acre marine REFRESHED mammal habitat and & REFINED STAY education centre, whose first residents were dolphins and sea lions Atlantis features five distinct propertiesrescued after Hurricane Katrina. A portion of The Royal, The Beach and The Coral, the cost of each of the on-property marine along with the luxury hotels, The Cove and interactions goes back to The Atlantis Blue The Reef.

Project Foundation, the resort’s non-profit The Reef at Atlantis is currently in the organisation dedicated to saving sea species final stages of a design renovation that is and their extraordinary habitats. expected to be complete by early Fall. Guests

MEETINGS & EVENTS

With the largest conference centre in the Caribbean, Atlantis boasts 200,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space highlighted by the 50,000 sq. f.t Imperial Ballroom and 25,000 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom. With 60 meeting rooms, Atlantis can accommodate up to 15 or 4,000. The 20 distinct outdoor venues can host parties of up to 5,000. Group events and activities can be customised to create ‘give back’ experiences whilst enjoying the beauty of the surrounding Bahamian environment. meetingsatatlantis.com

Newly-renovated Studio Suite at The Reef

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E XC E PT I O N A L M E E T I N G FAC I L I T I E S A N D S E RV I C E I N PA RA D I S E • Five distinct hotels. Five distinct price points. Same meeting spaces, one contract, one team.

• Groups from 10 to 4,000 • Over 200,000 sq. ft. of indoor function space featuring state-of-the-art technology • Over 21 breathtaking outdoor event spaces • Seasoned and dedicated conference planning team

MeetingsAtAtlantis.com +1.954.809.2100 groupsales@atlantisparadise.com

AC C E S S I B L E . S I M P L E . R E M A R K A B L E !

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10 why choose the caribbean?

it's all in the

DETAILS The Caribbean is known for its guaranteed warmth and sunshine, but for business? Natasha Blair offers ideas on how to swap the swimwear for a suit

delegAte-FrIendly deAlS

Miles of sandy beaches, and crystal clear blue and emerald waters are an easy sell for most, but great deals for group bookings can also be obtained from April to June and September to November. If you’re looking to keep costs low, travel in the off-peak season between September and November.

BIg BuSIneSS or IntIMAte InCentIveS

Most of the Caribbean islands and countries can accommodate groups, although some are more suitable for retreats and smaller meetings. The islands of Jamaica, Barbados, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Saint Lucia and Antigua are actively providing facilities geared to the meetings and incentive markets, all with direct flights from the UK, and connections via Europe and North America.

rooM For All

Accommodation ranges from luxury wellknown brands and purpose-built hotels, to all-inclusive resorts and characterful boutique villas like Round Hill in Jamaica.

While islands like Barbados are known for large, luxury resorts, there are a growing number of eco-friendly hotels and resorts in destinations like Dominica, the British Virgin Islands and Grenada, and intimate luxury options in Turks and Caicos, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Anguilla.

IConIC And InStAgrAMMABle

From Belize’s Mayan ruins, ancient pyramids hidden by green jungle and home to colourful birds to the bright white sand of Anguilla’s seemingly endless beaches; the Blue Hole of Belize to the jagged peaks of Montserrat, there’s no shortage of stunning views and employees will be itching to share their experience on social media.

Food glorIouS Food

From international standard fine dining to street fish fries, Caribbean cuisine is undeniably a pull. Local food varies from country to country, depending on its ethnic origin and the seafood is spectacular.

Instagrammable Saint Lucia

In Puerto Rico, with its American and Spanish influences, the food is Creole as well as creative Latin; while Haiti, Martinique and St. Martin play on the renowned gastronomy of their French roots; Trinidad serves up Indian and Middle Eastern flavours; and St. Maarten and St Eustatius make the most of their Dutch heritage.

SplASH HAppy

Every water-based sport is provided in the Caribbean. Antigua, the British Virgin Islands and Grenada promote themselves as sailing havens, providing yacht charters as well as boat excursions. Barbados is known for its championship surfing and St. Eustatius, Martinique and St Vincent & the Grenadines are a scuba diving playground offering wrecks and reefs.

SportS And FItneSS

Cricket finds a home in the Caribbean.

St. Kitts has an atmospheric ground and enthusiastic supporters. Antigua is home

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From international-standard fine dining to street fish fries, Caribbean cuisine is undeniably a pull, whether you’re at work or at play

Scuba diving in the Cayman Islands

to the Sir Vivian Richard’s Cricket Stadium, which even hosts cricket workshops.

Meanwhile, Jamaica promotes itself as one of the Caribbean’s premier golfing destinations, with 10 golf courses on offer including the 18-hole, seaside Cinnamon Hill with a waterfall on its 15th hole. And those sandy beaches are perfect for a spot of yoga - St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ exclusive Mustique, Petit St. Vincent and Bequia have hosted many celebrities seeking to unwind.

Mayan temple, Belize

Adventure playground

Many of the Caribbean’s islands and countries have rainforests bursting with exotic fauna and flora and there are over 7,000 islands in the archipelago to hop between. The Belize Barrier Reef spans 185 miles and is the largest reef system in the Northern Hemisphere, while small Dominica packs a punch when it comes to nature thanks to its mountains, rainforest, rivers  and waterfalls. The volcanic peaks of

Shark-spotting in the Bahamas

Your Multi-lingual Travel Partner in St. Lucia

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12 why choose the caribbean?

the Caribbean means challenging hiking ballads of twoubadou; rara music, used for trails. Notable examples are Montserrat, street processions; hip hop Creòle; and the where you can spot its national bird, the wildly popular compass, a modern form oriole, and see Pompeii-like ruins from of méringue danced to throughout Haiti. the last eruption; Nevis for Meanwhile, most Caribbean views, vervet monkeys and destinations will have a beach old sugar plantations; bar offering some Guyanese food Dominica, which houses reggae beats. is culturally eclectic! the longest hike in Visitors can try cassava the Caribbean; and drInKS on bread, Indian curries, St. Eustatius, where tHe oFFICe Guyana-style chow mein walkers can step into Rum is the national drink and pepperpot, a the crater to see of the region and most meat stew with giant trees. islands and countries offer spices tastings and tours of where HIt tHe it’s made too. In St. Maarten, a HIgH noteS tour of the 6000 sq. ft. Topper’s Rhum Music is the soul of the Caribbean. In Distillery reveals the history of the tipple Puerto Rico, groups can have salsa as well as its own blending and bottling lessons and dance the night away. Haiti’s process. And in Martinique they have the musical repertoire is derived from Africa Route des Rhums, an island-wide tour which and France, and includes the folky guitar includes tastings in 12 distilleries. •

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History. Legacy. Luxury.

Unmatched Meetings & Events In Jamaica.

An idyllic oasis of refined luxury, Round Hill is the beachfront venue of choice to accomplish the goals of your next incentive or special event. Our enclave of private villas and oceanfront guestrooms assure comfort and privacy, while providing a sense of community and closeness amongst your group.

Add in our award-winning cuisine, a transformational spa, access to the private 18-hole championship golf course just minutes away, countless activities and unmatched personal service and you will see why Round Hill is the perfect venue to reward and inspire your attendees.

roundhill.com | 1.876.956.7050 sales@roundhill.com

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activities Pick a setting that inspires, motivates and rewards employees for successful team-building. Sarah Woods looks at some totally tropical options in the Caribbean 2

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GREAT CARIBBEAN COOK-OFF, TOBAGO

Imagine The Great British Bake Off, Caribbean-style, with a backdrop of white sand and tropical foliage. This culinary challenge can take place in a Tobago kitchen, on the beach or in a jerk shack.

Small-to-medium sized groups are led by an island-born chef who will teach teams to make Tobago bake with flying fish, dolphin steak with fruity salsa or curried shrimp with coconut sauce. Take a half-day, two- or three-day cookery course, planned with the needs of your team in mind. tobagobeyond.com

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TEAM TENNIS, nevis

What better way to foster team effort and a bit of healthy competition than a doubles tennis tournament? Four Seasons Nevis has expansive MICE facilities as well as one of the biggest tennis programmes in the brand’s portfolio and some of the best facilities in the Caribbean. Managed by the renowned Peter Burwash International

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company (named after the Canadian tennis player), the resort boasts four red clay courts (two lit for night play), four hard courts (one lit for night) and two AstroTurf courts (both lit for night). Equipment, apparel and accessories are available from the pro shop and lessons and clinics are also available. nevisisland.com

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Challenge on wheels, ANGUILLA

From a gentle sightseeing trip to pedal-pounding bike adventures Anguilla has them all. Set your own level of difficulty for a team-build challenge along quiet island tracks and trails. Expect cool breezes and views of rainforests, plantations and palm-fringed shores. Bikes can reach places that cars cannot. Highlights include the beautiful East End behind Junk’s Hole and Savannah Bay, where the waves are the only distraction and the toughest climbs lead to mesmerising views and the occasional goat or domino-player at battered tables by the roadside. Team jerseys and medals can be supplied, Tour de France style. ivisitanguilla.com

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SETTING SAIL, ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES

Sailing helps to inspire bonding, pinpoints the need for good communication (since every crew member plays a key role) and can provide a fascinating insight into how teams work. Bequia, Canouan, Mustique and Union - plus umpteen tiny, unpopulated, islets - are a sailor’s dream and there’s plenty of opportunities to snorkel, fish and swim in the gin-clear waters of places like Saltwhistle Bay. discoversvg.com

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TREKS AND TRAILS, dominica

Nick-named ‘the nature island’, Dominica has many trails but most famous is the Boiling Lake hike. Starting from Titou Gorge above the capital Roseau, it trails through pretty rainforest up to a spectacular viewpoint, down into the Valley of Desolation with its bubbling pools and hissing vents, and onto a ledge overlooking the hot crater lake. discoverdominica.com

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14 five-star...

premium

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cabins Catering for business travel to the Caribbean isn’t priority for all carriers but there are many ways to travel in style and comfort, says Gary Noakes 3

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British Airways

The UK’s flag carrier has the most extensive Caribbean network from both Gatwick and Heathrow, serving Antigua, The Bahamas, Barbados, The Cayman Islands, Grenada, Jamaica (Kingston), St. Kitts, Saint Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago and The Turks & Caicos Islands. British Airways unveiled a radical reworking of Club World in 2019, with direct aisle access for all, but meanwhile, a refresh of the existing cabin is underway, with all Gatwick aircraft complete by autumn 2019. Designer style in the form of White Company bedding and a ‘restaurantstyle’ meal service are coming soon. britishairways.com

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Virgin Atlantic

Virgin flies from Gatwick to Antigua, Barbados (additional Heathrow flight in winter), Grenada, Jamaica (Montego Bay), Saint Lucia and Tobago.

Virgin is the other big Caribbean player and its herringbone Upper Class business cabin has stood the test of time, with the on-board lounge bar an added attraction on these routes. Manchester flights are on ex-Air Berlin A330-200s, with a one-two-one layout and no bar, but the same Virgin service. virginatlantic.com

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Thomas Cook

The tour operator’s carrier has scheduled winter flights to Barbados from Gatwick and Manchester plus Saint Lucia, Antigua, Tobago and Jamaica (summer only) from Manchester.

Its partnership with Loganair offers

numerous regional connections.

Thomas Cook’s Premium Class is a premium economy-style cabin with a two-three-two layout and a 35-inch pitch.

Hold luggage allowance is 25kg and other perks include a separate check-in, upgraded entertainment and free drinks. thomascookairlines.com

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American Airlines

American’s hub at Miami gives travellers access to an extensive network of Caribbean routes. The majority of the Caribbean destinations, including St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Martinique and Curaçao, are less than three hours away.

American’s long-haul business cabin was revamped around five years ago and offers aisle access for all and upgraded inflight entertainment with Bose headphones, Casper-branded bedding and a food service by acclaimed chef Julian Barsotti, who specialises in Italian. aa.com

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Tui Airways

Tui serves Saint Lucia from London Gatwick year-round and Barbados and Jamaica from numerous airports in the winter. There are also summer flights to Jamaica from Birmingham and Glasgow and a Manchester to Barbados service.

Tui Airways’ Premium Club cabin is premium economy-style and features a two-three-two layout with a 38-inch seat pitch, four-course meal, a welcome drink and lounge access at UK airports. Flights are on state-of-the-art Boeing 787s with mood lighting. tui.co.uk/flight

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sponsored feature

A WARM JAMAICA WELCOME

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he Jamaica Tourist Board is HOSPITALITY committed to helping you with Jamaica considers itself a leader in corporate all aspects of your groups, hospitality and we are confident you will incentives, meetings or find everything about our island easy to do conventions planning. business with. The variety found within the As your partner, JTB provides a Jamaican culture is what distinguishes it from host of services designed to ensure anywhere else in the Caribbean – and the every stage of the process, and world. The diversity of accommodation, all aspects of your visit, run music, topography, flora and smoothly. Our island has fauna, art, literature and accommodation to suit cuisine is truly invigorating, WOW FACTOR groups of all sizes and the hospitality of Ian Fleming created and budgets. We will the Jamaican people is spy character James guide you through site unsurpassed.

Bond at his Jamaica home, inspections, and can making the island the most help with the selection HOSTING authentic location for a of your DMC, banqueting Jamaica has hosted 007-themed event services, entertainment, major international business centres, ground summits and conferences transportation, team building for high-profile delegates and activities and off-site venues. governments. There is a wide range of Jamaica boasts several reliable, experienced world-class places to stay and do business, and efficient DMCs who are experts in giving you the flexibility of choosing a hotel meeting your brief. with large conference facilities with breakout We know that making the right choice is rooms or smaller venues suitable for important to the success of your group and meetings and seminars. we will help you with this task.

Combine this with our superb attractions,

exquisite dining, and breathtaking beaches in a lush tropical setting and you have the recipe to make your conference or incentive an unforgettable and truly enjoyable one.

As a MICE destination we have great accessibility, service-oriented people, a favourable exchange rate and partners offering a wide selection of services. We would love to have the opportunity to host your meeting, incentive programme or convention.

Jamaica is waiting to welcome you! visitjamaica.com

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016 fact file

need to know BASICS

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Five things every business travel arranger should know before they book a business trip to the Caribbean

1

Many destinations, including The Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica, have their own local currency but most accept US dollars.

French speaking Martinique and Saint Martin use Euros.

4

KEEPING WELL

While there aren’t any specific vaccinations required, visitors should check with their GPs to ensure that their vaccinations are up-to-date and wear sun screen and mosquito spray.

STAY A WHILE

For most Caribbean destinations, visits of less than three months on a UK passport don’t require any paperwork. For the American territory of Puerto Rico, visitors will need to obtain an ESTA before travel.

2

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

5

TAKE COVER

POWER TRIP

Make sure that your group has adequate insurance for all of the activities that they might take part in, even gentle activities like water-sports, horse riding or zip-lining can require extra cover.

Plug points throughout the Caribbean are by and large the same as North America – two flat prongs, or two flat prongs with a rounded grounding pin.

For more information please visit www.caribbean.co.uk or call +44 (0)208 948 0057

Your DMC for unique and customized group programs in Saint Martin and Sint Maarten

ACCOMMODATION

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EXPERIENCE ST. KITTS for Work and Play Top-class work demands a top-class retreat. Whether you’re scheduling an overseas meeting or preparing an incentive programme, LGW

St. Kitts is sure to satisfy. Event planners can take advantage of accommodations and business facilities at the island’s four- and five-star beach resorts. And when it comes time to unwind, groups

SKB

Twice weekly flights from London Gatwick

can pick from a number of authentic experiences — from rainforest expeditions and nighttime eco-tours to rum tastings at the island’s historic landmarks. Work where you play: That’s the Kittitian way.

Email uk@stkittstourism.kn for additional information

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