At The Reef at Atlantis, there are residential-style suites with upscale amenities. Photo by Ron Starr

Aruba

Aruba is a small island of just 21 miles, but it’s considered one of the crown jewels of the Caribbean and a favorite among incentive travel planners.

“We’re very well known in the industry for incentive travel and have been doing that for more than 40 years,” says Shaydee Schwengle, executive at the Aruba Convention Bureau. “We are a very well developed island for meetings and incentives. What better way to award your winners than the most beautiful beach in the Caribbean and the second in the world.”

That makes Aruba an easy sell for planners when they are looking to find a great place to bring their companies. That’s one of the reasons it is the island most return to in the Caribbean.

“We also differentiate ourselves in the Caribbean as one of the safest islands, and also being very friendly,” Schwengle says, noting that’s why Aruba’s nickname is “One Happy Island.”

The country offers both land and sea activities, and many are one-of-a-kind adventures ideal for those coming to Aruba on an incentive trip.

“There’s a never-ending list of activities, be it hiking or enjoying national parks; however, what makes participants come back is our hospitality. Once they step their feet on the island, they experience the ‘Aruba Effect,’ and they can’t put it into words, it’s just a feeling. When they leave the island, it’s like missing a home that’s not your home.”

Aruba is home to more than 100 nationalities and is a melting pot of cultures and traditions, and the way everyone lives in harmony reflects how it treats visitors and guests.

“We have world-class resorts, and the Convention Bureau represents about 13 hotels, and we have one huge conference center — the Renaissance, which holds up to 1,000,” Schwengle says. “The majority of the hotels can hold between 500-600 and have dedicated banquet teams.”

Being an island that is 80% dependent on tourism, the COVID pandemic played havoc on the area, but it has since surpassed pre-pandemic numbers in its recovery, including a record-breaking year in 2023.

“We are continuing to expand and we have three new hotels opening in the next six months,” Schwengle says. “That will add another 600 rooms to our island inventory.”

Ron Hersh, president of World of Travel, has been booking corporate events and incentive trips in the Caribbean for more than a decade, and finds they are among the most popular places for these meetings due to the weather and activities.

“We just came back from Aruba with an incentive group of 60 people,” he says. “It was perfect beach weather and it has such a friendly population. There was sailing, water sports and cultural visits. Everyone was talking about returning.”

Baha Mar has plans for a fourth beachfront resort, with 25,000 sf of dedicated indoor and outdoor event space, scheduled for completion in 2029. Rendering Courtesy of Baha Mar

The Bahamas

The Bahamas offers an unparalleled destination for corporate group travel, thanks to 16 main islands offering a diverse range of resorts, hotels, villas and venues.

Accessibility is also a key advantage, with direct airlift from most major cities in the United States and Canada, and flight times as short as 50 minutes from the Florida coast.

Whether your agenda includes a small corporate event, a large conference, or a team-building exercise that provides a refreshing tropical retreat, the islands of the Bahamas provide a unique setting that fosters collaboration and creativity while ensuring a seamless and productive event.

One of the top places for corporate events is Atlantis on Paradise Island. Steve Silverman, senior vice president of sales for Atlantis, said this destination and collection of hotels is like none other.

“It’s a destination within a destination,” he says. “Currently, we have five different offerings.” It starts with The Cove, the most upscale product, followed by The Royal Tower, The Reef, The Coral and a timeshare/marina product.

“The nice thing is, we have something for everyone with all different types of price points,” Silverman says. “We have some of the top Michelin chefs in the country and have over 200,000 sf of meeting space, and one of the nicest things is that most of the space is flanked by natural lighting.”

Atlantis is often on people’s bucket list, so planners choose it because they hope to get a big turnout.

“Ninety-nine percent of the time, the groups that come to us exceed their performance obligations, and it’s a perfect place to have a serious meeting and enjoy yourself during free time,” Silverman says. There’s also a casino, 20 restaurants, almost two dozen bars and more.

During COVID, the island opened a little bit later than other areas of the world, and that meant some sorry times for the meeting industry. However, the Bahamas has rebounded tremendously in the years since, and had some of its best years ever in 2023 and 2024.

Steve Abbruzzese, senior vice president of sales and development for Acorn Financial Services in Newark, NJ, has been to Atlantis 16 times as part of an incentive travel trip his company puts together annually.

“We use this trip as a reward for our top people,” he says. “Typically, our meeting is about 22 reps and another 20 guests, and we go in on a Thursday, have an orientation; Friday morning, we have a meeting and then a group dinner that night; and then Saturday is free for people to enjoy the island, with a group dinner that night.”

A lot of the downtime here centers on the pool, waterslide and beach. At night, a majority of the groups have fun trying their luck at the casino, and there’s plenty of shopping and fun things to do when not in meetings.

Over the years, the Acorn Financial Services group has stayed at The Coral, The Royal and the newer Cove suites.

“We’ve gotten to the point where one of the advantages for us is we get off the plane and we hit the ground running,” Abbruzzese says. “Everyone there is great and helps us with everything.”

Also in the Bahamas, Baha Mar in Nassau is a popular place for incentive travel and corporate meetings. Drawing inspiration from the stunning natural beauty of The Bahamas, Baha Bay seamlessly combines the tranquil ambiance of island life with thrilling entertainment for the whole family. The luxurious water park has expansive beachfront acres and is conveniently located adjacent to Baha Mar, offering an idyllic setting for both relaxation and excitement.

The Baha Mar resort boasts more than 300,000 sf of opulent indoor and outdoor meeting space, complemented by three iconic oceanfront hotels — Grand Hyatt, SLS and Rosewood — each offering breathtaking views. Guests can indulge in a culinary experience with over 45 restaurants and lounges curated by world-renowned chefs, alongside a remarkable array of amenities and experiences to enhance any stay.

With state-of-the-art facilities, Baha Mar is equipped to host events of any scale, making it the ideal destination for executive meetings, incentive trips, team-building activities, corporate groups and trade shows.

Curaçao

Another great place in the Caribbean for corporate meetings, conferences or incentive travelers is Curacao, which offers a unique blend of European charm and Caribbean warmth.

“The island is a haven for companies looking to combine productivity with leisure,” says Muryad de Bruin, managing director of the Curaçao Tourist Board.

Curaçao boasts a rich tapestry of more than 50 nationalities, where four languages are spoken and cultural diversity thrives.

“This multicultural environment not only fosters creativity and collaboration but also makes it easier for international teams to communicate and connect,” de Bruin says. “Whether you’re hosting a large conference or a small team-building retreat, Curaçao is ready to serve as both a beautiful backdrop and a catalyst for success and enjoyment.”

Thanks to a newly renovated international airport, the island is effortlessly accessible, featuring direct and nonstop flights from the U.S., Canada, Europe, Central and South America. Modern transportation and infrastructure ensure that your group can navigate the island with ease. Additionally, Curaçao’s commitment to safety is evident through its Dushi Stay the Healthy Way protocol, which includes standard COVID-19 testing and tracing practices for all guests.

Located outside the hurricane belt, Curaçao enjoys ideal sunny weather year-round. Plus, with more than 35 spectacular beaches and parks rich in biodiversity, anyone can unwind and recharge between meetings.

What’s more, the island’s commitment to sustainability, with initiatives like desalination plants and coral reef rebuilding projects, reflects its dedication to preserving its natural beauty for generations to come.

Curaçao is not just about the business; it’s also about creating lasting memories. The island is dotted with unique event venues, such as the Rif Fort Museum in Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Landhuis Chobolobo, where distillery tours and Blue Curaçao tastings are a delightful addition to any itinerary. For those seeking adventure, there are 70 designated dive sites and unparalleled world-class snorkeling.

de Bruin notes that Curaçao’s meeting services and accommodations ensure that every detail of an event is covered. From assistance with RFPs and site inspections to the provision of state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, their resources make planning seamless.

Gastronomy in Curaçao is globally influenced and locally sourced, with a wide range of dining options that cater to all tastes — ranging from fine dining to charming beach cafés. After hours, the dynamic nightlife and entertainment hotspots promise excitement and vibrancy for post-meeting relaxation.

“With its breathtaking scenery, cultural richness, modern facilities, and an upbeat energy unlike any other destination, Curaçao should undoubtedly be a top choice for any corporate event,” de Bruin says.

Puerto Rico’s stunning beaches and golf resorts make for the perfect incentive destination. Pictured: Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort. Courtesy Photo

Puerto Rico

From large-scale conferences to select industry events, Puerto Rico plays host to a wide array of gatherings year-round. Puerto Rico is home to the largest and most technologically advanced convention center in the Caribbean, the Puerto Rico Convention Center (PRCC).  With 600,000 sf of meeting space, PRCC can accommodate up to 10,000 attendees and boasts 15 meeting rooms, an exhibit hall, a ballroom and robust technological infrastructure.

The Convention Center District extends beyond the PRCC, with an additional 140,000 sf of meeting space, anchored by entertainment complex Distrito T-Mobile.

Puerto Rico’s appeal extends beyond its facilities.

“Today’s attendees yearn for authentic experiences that allow them to immerse themselves in the local culture, blending work with personal enrichment,” says Ed Carey, chief sales officer for Discover Puerto Rico. “Puerto Rico provides the perfect setting for this balance.”

Beyond the meeting room, attendees can “Live Boricua” and enjoy everything the island offers, from guided culinary tours and historical walks through Old San Juan to outdoor adventures like hiking through  El Yunque National Forest or paddleboarding in Condado Lagoon.

“These experiences help enhance feelings of personal fulfillment and foster stronger relationships, innovation and creative thinking — qualities that carry over into the workplace,” Carey says.

Puerto Rico’s natural beauty and vibrant culture offer a distinctive vibe to visitors. With stunning beaches, lush rainforests and historic sites, the island appeals to both nature enthusiasts and history buffs. For instance, El Yunque National Forest, provides hiking trails and waterfalls, while Old San Juan boasts centuries-old fortresses and colorful colonial architecture. For adventure seekers, the island offers bioluminescent bays, world-class surfing spots and opportunities for activities like zip-lining and scuba diving.

“Beyond its natural attractions, Puerto Rico has a rich cultural heritage, blending Taíno, Spanish and African influences,” Carey says. “This is evident in its music, festivals and dance forms, such as salsa and bomba. The island is also a hub for events and festivals that showcase its lively spirit. For attendees looking for nightlife, Puerto Rico offers everything from live music and dancing to beachside bars and casinos, ensuring there’s something for everyone.”

Attendees will find that when the meeting day is over, there are countless opportunities to engage and network while supporting and being part of the local community.

“Event planners find Puerto Rico especially appealing for its infrastructure, amenities and cultural vibrancy,” Carey says. “The island is equipped with a wide variety of hotels and unique venues, from historic forts to beachfront resorts, providing flexibility for any type of event.”

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands offer a stunning backdrop of lush landscapes and pristine beaches, creating an inspiring environment that encourages creativity and collaboration during corporate meetings. With a wide range of luxurious accommodations and unique team-building activities, companies can enhance motivation and strengthen relationships in an idyllic tropical setting.

Stephen Parente, Ph.D, Minnesota insurance industry chair of health finance in Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, has been running international research symposiums in the British Virgin Islands since 2015. “The meetings I host are competitive academic paper research symposiums focused on the health sector ($8+ trillion global market). Researchers compete to present in a beautiful and relaxing location. It’s been a winning combination since our first 2015 Caribbean Health Economics Symposium,” he says.

“While hurricanes Irma and Maria, as well as COVID, greatly challenged our hosting meetings, the area remains a great location and one we hope to keep using for another decade,” he says. “The best activities are social cocktail hours at nights and aquatic activities like boat rides, hiking and snorkeling during the day.”

One of this favorite places to host at is the Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina in the British Virgin Islands.

“We are now on our fourth year hosting the event at Scrub Island resort and the event draws about 15 to 20 folks for an intimate research meeting with paper quality rivaling the best academic institutions in the world, mainly because the presenters/attendees hail from schools like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, Wharton, University of London and Berkeley,” Parente says. “The symposiums mix academic presentations in a conference room with outdoor activities, such as boating, swimming, island excursions and cocktail parties.” C&IT