Welcome to the latest in our series of dedicated Caribbean guides. In this issue, we focus on the islands and coastal countries and demonstrate how they fulfill the needs of incentive and group organisers looking for a tropical setting in which to host clients.
The Caribbean can often be overlooked when it comes to the MICE market, but with a year round warm climate, favourable exchange rates and a host of professional facilities and services available, the islands should certainly be on every organiser’s shortlist.
After a spate of new openings and refurbishment projects, many of the leading hotels come complete with state of the art spa facilities, golf courses and luxury accommodation, giving spouses of both sexes the chance for a spot of relaxation. For the more adventurous, or those looking for great team building opportunities, the Caribbean sea is popular with sailing enthusiasts, or for landlovers, delegates can participate in 4×4 adventure drives or jungle treks.
Due to their close proximity, the islands also make pre- and post-conference tours an easy option for delegates, and with increased air transportation from the UK, more and more Caribbean destinations are opening up to the MICE market. With English speaking destinations, as well as those with Dutch, French and Spanish heritage, European travel organisers will have no difficulty with the language barrier.
Here at the CTO, we hold two main conferences in the region every year which are very well attended – the sustainable tourism conference and our annual conference. These conferences host around 500 travel industry delegates, in delightful locations with hightech facilities and simultaneous translation. This year the conferences were held in Tobago and USVI, and last year in Aruba and Havana. In addition, the CTO hosts a range of seminars and meetings for groups of all sizes throughout the year and throughout the region for wide ranging audiences.
Over the following pages you will find a snapshot of the latest developments in the Caribbean. For new hotel openings to what the islands can offer the conference, groups and incentive markets, information on corporate bonding activities and how to make the most of noncorporate events such as family weddings, look no further.
We look forward to welcoming your clients to the Caribbean for what will be an unforgettable and rewarding experience.
Julia Hendry – Director of Marketing, CTO UK & Europe
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