Trinidad and Tobago is one of the wealthiest countries in the Caribbean, thanks to its large reserves of oil and gas, the exploitation of which dominates its economy.

Inhabited mostly by people of African and Indian descent, the two-island nation enjoys a per capita income well above the average for Latin America. Natural gas - much of it exported to the US - is expected to overtake oil as its main source of revenue. Poised to become the Caribbean's most viable business tourism destination, Trinidad and Tobago has a proven track record for hosting successful regional and international meetings and conferences.

The 418-room Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre in Port of Spain offers the most meeting space of any T&T property. Its unique architectural design, amazing vistas, and indulgent amenities, make this the ideal place for any guest. Business travelers have everything necessary for a successful event including more than 73,000 sq. ft. of event space, while leisure guests will find that these facilities and services exceed their expectations.

Another option s the 428-room Hyatt Regency Trinidad, situated in the Port of Spain International Waterfront Development. The Hyatt's versatile 43,000 sq. ft. of event space showcases a 16,000-sq. ft. Grand Ballroom and a 10,000-sq. ft. Ballroom with translation facilities.

If your mind is set on planning a meeting on the island of Tobago The Magdalena Grand Beach Resort offers a wide assortment of meeting space options as well as top-level lodging while keeping attendees entertained with all the water sports and fun activities for leisure time. This Caribbean jewel is nestled in the tropical Tobago Plantations Estate, a 750-acre gated community of luxury Tobago suites, villas, condos and bungalows around the Tobago Plantations PGA designed Championship (18 holes) Tobago golf course.

This venue is an outstanding place to hold meetings, banquets or any other celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago of just about any size. The resort is equipped with over 5,500 ft. of conference space including the Colibri Ballroom with 4,671 ft. of column-free space accommodating cocktail parties of 500, banquets of 180, and meetings requiring various set-up styles and floor plan adjustments.

The islands' most popular attraction is the world-renowned "Carnival" celebration. This majestic display of excitement embraces many of the island's traditions. Speech bands, whip wielding devils called jab jabs (from French diable), bottle and spoon bands and African drumming are incorporated into the island's celebrations. Tobago's Carnival is laid back when compared to the frenzied festivities in Trinidad. J'Ouvert revelers covered in mud, men dressed as women or costumed in nightgowns and waving chamber pots, party till daylight on the streets of Scarborough, Tobago's capital.

Business travelers and tourists must produce passports valid for three months longer than the intended stay and a return ticket, for entry into Trinidad and Tobago. For tourism and business related visits of up to 90 days, visas are not required for citizens of the United States, Caricom (except Haiti), European Union and British Commonwealth.

There are two international airports in Trinidad and Tobago, the Piarco International Airport, Trinidad and the A.N.R Robinson International Airport, Tobago. Trinidad is a major transport hub in the Caribbean and access to the island from key destinations in the US, South America and Europe is easy. Domestic flights and daily sailings of the ferry service supports travel between Trinidad and Tobago.

STATS (for sidebar)

HOTEL    ROOMS

Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre           418

Hyatt Regency Trinidad 428

Magdalena Grand Beach Resort 178

Courtyard Port of Spain 116

Kapok Hotel   94

The Cascadia Hotel and Conference Centre   68

WHO YOU GONNA CALL?

Go Trinidad and Tobago

(868) 675-7034