Soak Up Paradise

All-inclusives return to the islands

By Refugio Garcia

Got incentives? Well, on top of countless luxury lodging options and world–class meeting facilities, the majestic island nations and territories in the Caribbean and the Bahamas are home to a captivating arts and culture scene and activities that will keep attendees engaged. Diverse options for hosting in the region include Puerto Rico, Panama, Jamaica the Bahamas and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Local Expert Tip: “Tourism Board Jamaica recently introduced a new VIP yacht tour as an option for their high–end business travelers titled the “Exodus Experience,” with two yachts that can hold between six and eleven passengers, providing fully–staffed and curated experiences.” Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board

5 Stunning Venues to Meet

Distrito T–Mobile in Puerto Rico boasts “there’s something for every mood,” creating a breathtaking experience with options for entertainment, dining and hotels. In addition to being home to Guinness World Records’ longest zipline, the venue also features 10 unique restaurants and bars, several art installations and the conjoined Aloft San Juan by Marriott Aloft Hotels.

Montego Bay Convention Center opened in 2011 with 57,000 sq. ft. of versatile meeting space in the heart of the island’s second capital, Montego Bay and is located only 15 minutes from Sangster International Airport (MBJ). The center is conveniently located near 4,000 hotel rooms and can accommodate general session setups or up to 260 exhibition booths.

Panama Convention Center (PCC) completed in 2020 boasts over 650,000 sq. ft. of meeting space spanning 34 acres of land on the banks of the famous canal. PCC is located 10 minutes from the heart of Panama City and features an over 165,000–square–foot exhibition hall, 16 meeting rooms, banquet halls that can accommodate 2,000 guests, an 118,000–square–foot atrium lobby and 10 loading docks with three drive–in access ramps.

Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas offers over 500,000 sq. ft. of meeting space ensconced in a gorgeous cove off the coast of Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The awe–inspiring resort offers luxurious amenities and the world–class Atlantis Casino. The flexible meeting spaces quartered at the venue include two ballrooms, multiple meeting rooms and 300,000 sq. ft. of outdoor meeting space across 18 unique locations showcasing the surrounding waterscape.

Baha Mar includes properties from Grand Hyatt, Rosewood and SLS—providing planners with the flexibility to craft a productive and memorable experience in Nassau, The Bahamas. The property features 300,000 sq. ft. of meeting space within the three hotels. Additionally, the large coastal venue also offers dining options at 45 different restaurants led by award–winning chefs and culinary teams.

5 Reasons Why Meeting Profs love the

  • Enjoy a rich cultural experience. “Live Boricua, for us comes from that unique lifestyle and experience that you can only enjoy when you come to our island,” says CEO of Visit Puerto Rico Brad Dean. “Make your meeting Boricua—it’s an open invitation to come for the business but come alive with the experience that is Puerto Rico.”
  • Amazing food? Yes, please. Food and beverage is an extraordinary aspect of visiting the region with a culinary style that blends the vibrant and flavorful with the historic through dishes that are truly distinct such as lobster–stuffed empanadas and pasteles.
  • Modern, welcoming spaces. With 600,000 sq. ft. of flexible meeting space, Puerto Rico Convention Center is the largest exhibition venue in the region and is housed within a sleek and technologically advanced design. The sweeping entry anchors the Convention Center District with numerous hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues.
  • Creative team–building. Activities both adventurous and relaxing are abundant throughout the Caribbean and the Bahamas with options including surfing, exploring nature and parks, enjoying local art, relaxing on scenic beaches, and of course, soaking up the vibrant nightlife.
  • Offshore affordable. The region has activities suited to all tastes and interests. Flights to nearly any destination in the region are affordable, and in some cases, the currency exchange rate favors the traveler.