the island is tucked away on the André Rojer, North American U.S. taxpayers can claim outer fringes of the hurricane Marketing Manager for the belt, which minimizes some of Curaçao Tourist Board, a tax deduction for the weather risks that may be describes some of the reasons expenses associated found in other Caribbean why Curaçao appeals to groups. with a convention held destinations. “This is a destination where you can swim with dolphins, host a in Curaçao to the same The capital of Curaçao is private dinner on a 300-year-old extent as a convention Willemstad, an incredibly fort or at an 18th century plantaheld in the United States. picturesque and historic city. tion house, and dive at more than It’s filled with a rainbow-hued 65 sites around the island. People array of Spanish and Dutch Colonial architecare looking for experiential travel and anything that will leave them enriched from an experience. ture that helped earn the city a designation as a In addition to providing tax benefits to groups, in UNESCO World Heritage Site. The two main sections of Willemstad’s historic city center, Punda Curaçao we can effectively tailor unique experiand Otrobanda, are situated on opposite sides ences for groups and encourage them to step a of St. Anna Bay and are connected by the Queen bit further out of their comfort zone.” Emma pontoon bridge (fondly called “the swingIf the words “tax benefits” grabbed your attention, ing old lady”) that swings open so ships can enter the busy harbor. here’s the deal. The United States and Curaçao have a tax information agreement that allows U.S. An Active Culture taxpayers to claim a tax deduction for expenses “Many people are surprised at how much there is associated with a convention held in Curaçao to do on the island,” says Juliette Buddingh, Manto the same extent as a convention held in the aging Director of the destination management United States. That’s one practical reason for bringing a group to Curaçao. Another one is that company Business Serenity Ltd. “There are a lot
Resorts With a View
Unsurprisingly, many of Curaçao’s top resorts take advantage of the island’s natural environs, including the Four Diamond Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, operated by Benchmark Resorts & Hotels. The 350-room resort is set on a 2,000-acre nature preserve and features a pristine white sand beach, protected swimming lagoon and more than 36,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space. 54
Views of Piscadera Bay can be enjoyed at two upscale properties by Marriott and Hilton, respectively. The 247-room Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino houses a casino, spa, multiple dining outlets including a kosher kitchen, and more than 4,000 sq. ft. of meeting space. An additional 27,000 sq. ft. of meeting and exhibit space is available at the World Trade Center Curaçao, located adjacent to the resort. Set on 23 acres of lush gardens, the Hilton Curaçao contains 196 rooms, including an executive floor, along with a casino, spa, onsite scuba diving center and more than 7,500 sq. ft. of event space. Facilities & Destinations 2014-2015 Winter