It could be time for your meeting to leave the mainland. With increased airlift, competitive pricing and top-tier facilities, the Caribbean is giving traditional convention destinations a run for their money.
Indeed, if "money" is the operative word here, be prepared to save more than you might have expected, as many islands are willing to do what it takes to get business from the U.S.
"We’re not turning any business away," says George Brice, vice president of the Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board, echoing a sentiment expressed by many Caribbean tourism officials. "If groups have some budget constraints, we’ll work with them."
Exceptional value abounds, and it seems to be having a direct effect on visitation, as arrivals from the U.S. increased 6.5 percent during the first four months of 2010, according to figures released in June by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO).
At the same time, the story of ongoing improvements to the convention infrastructure continues to be written in the Caribbean, while for attendees who are already reaching for the sunscreen, the message is clear—when do we leave?
Western Caribbean
The shimmering Caribbean stretches from the ancient shores of the Yucatan peninsula toward the easternmost necklace of islands trailing down toward the South American coast. Deciding where to go can be a challenge, but one you’re bound to enjoy.
If miles of beaches, incredible dining and the timeless fascination of pre-Columbian cultures sounds appealing, you may find yourself in Cancun, whose well-known menu of diversions, including great duty-free shopping and legendary nightspots, just expanded again with the spring debut of an underwater museum that, once completed, will create a monumental artificial reef.
Above the waves, Cancun is a whirl of waterparks, nature parks, marinas launching fishing and boating excursions, and copious meeting space at venues that include the 154,000-square-foot Cancun Convention Center as well as convention-minded properties ranging from the huge—Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, with over 137,000 square feet of meeting space—to the more moderate, including Presidente InerContinental, with 10,000 square feet of function space.
It’s no less exciting in the air over Cancun, as Mexicana Airlines became the only Mexican airline into Dulles International Airport late last year, launching direct flights between Washington, D.C., and Cancun International Airport, which recently doubled its capacity with the inauguration of a second runway.
"Cancun International Airport is the No. 1 airport in international arrivals in the country," says Fernando Cervantes, groups and conventions director for the Cancun CVB. "All major airlines fly to Cancun, there are a great number of frequencies and direct flights from major hubs in the U.S."
For many history buffs, though, today’s high-tech byways pale in comparison to the ancient sacbes, a network of formal limestone roads built by the Mayans over a thousand years ago and leading to ancient cenotes (sinkholes) and caves—sites of Mayan ceremony and sacrifice—as well as to the great Mayan cities dotting the Riviera Maya south of Cancun, including Coba and Tulum, a majestic site overlooking the sea.
"The Mayan world has left its imprint on this area," notes Javier Aranda, general director of the Riviera Maya Destination Marketing Office. "Today, it constitutes a true open-air museum embracing some of the largest architectural masterpieces in the world."
And it’s a world filled with adventure, from trekking in amphibious vehicles through the jungle toward the Xplor park, where visitors paddle through spectacular caves and fly across the jungle top via Thrilling Avatar One, touted as the only roller coaster zip line in the world and found at Hidden Worlds cenote park near Tulum.
Yet despite its untamed character, the Riviera Maya boasts over 400,000 square feet of meeting space at resorts like Grand Velas All Suites & Spa, Palace Resorts Aventura and Iberostar Paraiso, both featuring convention centers.
"[We have] an impressive range of accommodations ranging from large oceanfront complexes to smaller family-run hotels and rustic cabins built on the edge of the jungle or facing the sea for those who enjoy being closer to nature," Aranda says.
The natural environment is ever-present as well on the lush island of Cozumel, set off the coast of the Riviera Maya and Cancun and claiming one of the most spectacular coral reefs in the Western Hemisphere. Landlubbers can explore a jungle interior or simply stretch out on a pristine beach, while properties like the Occidental Grand Cozumel and the Presidente InterContinental handle the convention details.
Attendees can discover more about Mexico’s Caribbean coast, and the country in general, by attending Meeting Place Mexico, two annual marketplaces that include seminars, trade shows, city tours and pre and post stays.
Generally speaking, the western Caribbean can be defined as the islands south and west of the U.S. mainland, which—in addition to Cozumel and the Yucatan coast—includes Grand Cayman, whose Seven Mile Beach manages to be a standout in a region of spectacular beaches, while a host of nature-based activities include bird watching, hiking, caving and taking in an underwater panorama with Atlantis Submarines Cayman. Hotels vie for equal variety as meetings check in at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, the Marriott Grand Cayman and the Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa, among others.
To the southeast of Grand Cayman is the fabled island of Jamaica, called "the fairest land" by none other than Columbus himself and appreciated by groups for its coastal resort areas—Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril and Port Antonio—where adventures like beach horseback riding, sea kayaking, waterfall climbing and river rafting are waiting. Resort areas are also where you’ll find the bulk of Jamaica’s meeting facilities, including ample space at Palmyra and Half Moon resorts in Montego Bay, along with Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort in Ocho Rios, whose conference center offers more than 32,000 square feet of floor space.
The East Side
Windswept beaches, secluded coves, tropical forests and seaside towns that are treasure troves of shopping and dining—the islands of the Eastern Caribbean share all these things yet diverge in delightfully unique ways.
Take Aruba, which stands alone in its desert landscape of cactus and twisted divi trees, dramatic rock formations and constant trade winds, all natural complements to the one-of-a-kind architecture found in the historical Dutch capital city of Oranjestad. You could spend days just snapping pictures here, though the parasailing, kite surfing and underwater tours might get in the way, not to mention the meetings held at venues like the newly renovated Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, the Hyatt Regency Aruba Resort & Casino and the Holiday Inn Resort Aruba.
Going Dutch in the eastern Caribbean can also lead to St. Maarten, whose capital of Philipsburg boasts colorful examples of traditional, pastel-colored West Indian architecture, while the lively streets are a magnet for tax-free shopping.
But St. Maarten isn’t alone in its appeal; half of the 37-square-mile island is occupied by French St. Martin, home of haute couture and haute cuisine.
Both sides also boast top-tier meeting properties, including the Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort & Spa and the new Radisson Blu Resort Marina & Spa, set on the northwest coast of French St. Martin.
Meanwhile, colonial Denmark is recalled in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as 251 years of Danish rule are reflected along the streets of capital city Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas and within the quaint towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted on St. Croix. Since the islands are now a U.S. territory, delegates can skip the passports and currency exchange and head straight to the offshore snorkeling, hiking and kayaking tours, or trek through glorious wilderness on St. John, home to Virgin Islands National Park.
USVI meetings are held at properties like Divi Carina Bay on St. Croix, the Westin St. John and Frenchman’s Reef on St. Thomas, but off-site venues here can definitely enhance the group experience, day or night.
"We have botanical gardens, historic sites, receptions aboard a catamaran and more," says Beverly Nicholson-Doty, commissioner of the USVI Department of Tourism. "We also are known as the shopping mecca of the Caribbean, with a wide range of attractions, fine dining and nightlife options as well."
Due East
Strolling the cobblestone streets of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic channels another vibe altogether, as the spirit of Old Spain lives on in 16th century dwellings, fortresses and churches. And yet this first colonial capital of the New World is the gateway to a thoroughly updated tourism destination, replete with state-of-the-art meeting venues and sumptuous coastal resorts boasting some of the best golf courses anywhere.
Resorts like Casa de Campo on the southeast coast, boasting its own international airport and three championship golf courses, are popular with groups who appreciate their afternoon "tee." Meanwhile, the first Hard Rock Hotel all-inclusive resort just opened in Punta Cana.
Another colonial capital has become a meetings force to be reckoned with: Puerto Rico, whose waterfront convention center in San Juan is approaching its fifth birthday this November and has completely changed how Puerto Rico looks and works within the meetings market, according to Ana Maria Viscasillas, president and CEO of the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau.
"Already the center has resulted in more than $72 million for the local economy and has welcomed delegates from Europe and South America, including large citywide associations and trade shows."
From its original conception, the convention center was to be part of an entire district of hotels, offices, restaurants and entertainment venues, and that development is on track with the November 2009 debut of the 503-room Sheraton Puerto Rico Convention Center Hotel, while the 300-room Marriott Courtyard Convention District Hotel and a 252-room Aloft property are on deck.
Also on the horizon in Puerto Rico are a JW Marriott, St. Regis, Mandarin Oriental, Ritz-Carlton Reserve and other high-end flags joining the recently opened W hotel.
"The buzz demonstrates a pent-up demand for this type of luxury property on the island," Viscasillas says, adding that Puerto Rico also has a host of budget brand hotel properties that receive outstanding ratings for service and amenities.
Also coming on strong in the meetings department are the islands of the Bahamas, which trail up from the eastern Caribbean to the Gulfstream waters off the coast of South Florida. Already home to one of the region’s largest convention properties—Atlantis, with 500,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting space and a new kids’ club—Nassau is gearing up for the development of Baha Mar, a Cable Beach hotel complex that will include Westin, St. Regis and W resorts plus a Jack Nicklaus golf course.
Though Baha Mar has been in the pipeline for a few years, the project has moved from the back burner to the front, reports George Brice, vice president of the Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board.
"They’re just waiting for the sign-offs," he says. "Hopefully, in a month or two, everything will be finalized."
As massive as Baha Mar is expected to be, it’s not the only major tourism project in these parts. Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport will open a new terminal dedicated solely to U.S. arrivals and departures by 2011, revamping the current terminal to welcome international travel by 2012.
