< PreviousEl Morro National Monument in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The U.S. Territory offers the cultural experiences of the Caribbean, but without needing a passport. CARIBBEAN & BAHAMAS From Beach to Ballroom, These Islands Offer a Wealth of Options BY MAURA KELLER DESTINATION // 40 December 2021-January 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comCourtesy of Discover Puerto Rico AMAS W hen the snow starts and the temperatures plunge, many plan- ners’ thoughts turn to warmer locales for meetings and events. That’s where the islands of the Caribbean and the Bahamas come into play. From cul- tural and environmental diversity, spectacu- lar beaches, mountains and tropical forests, to proximity and direct access to two con- tinents, the islands of the Caribbean and the Bahamas are an ideal meeting spot for any size group. As Bethanie DeRose, CDME, senior vice president, tourism and destination advisory practice with JLL’s Hotels and Hospitality Group explains, “The notion of being able to escape and enjoy some leisure time while traveling for work meetings makes the Carib- bean timelessly attractive.” Attendees want a more immersive expe- rience, and the Caribbean is a great place to enable that. “Any off-sites that can be acti- vated for team events or opportunities to have experiences should be considered,” DeRose says. “Of course, the efficiency of arrival and departure are important, so the planner’s ability to work with destination partners to streamline that experience is a big plus.” The meeting planning team at Brightspot recently sourced, planned and managed a client’s elite club trip to the Caribbean, spe- cifically Grand Cayman, for their direct and indirect channel teams. “Our team and the client’s planning team came in, along with client hosts, a few days before the direct winners arrived for a three-night program,” says Michael Butler, vice president of sales at Brightspot. “Following their program, the top channel partners came in for a second wave, with hosts staying the full week. The Carib- bean fares well post-pandemic because it’s closer to home for U.S.-outbound programs.” St. Kitts & Nevis An unspoiled and lush historic pair of islands in the Caribbean, St. Kitts & Nevis, can be accessed by direct flight from many North American cities. This getaway is an instant paradise. Expansive function space, on- and off-site activities — from golf to sail- ing to monkey-watching — and luxe accom- modations, make Four Seasons Resort Nevis an ideal choice for meetings, events and incentive travel. “An incentive trip to Four Seasons Resort Nevis is unforgettable,” says Terrance Kelly, director of sales at Four Sea- sons Resort Nevis. “With luxurious accom- modations, including more than 50 private villas, our own golf course, delicious Carib- bean cuisine and exciting recreational oppor- tunities, your top employees will leave here feeling pampered and rewarded.” Planners can stage a formal affair in the ballroom, which can accommodate as many as 300 attendees, or opt for one of the resort’s smaller salons for a more intimate event. “If you prefer the outdoors, we deliver function lawns, gardens and our popular South Beach venue. It’s directly on the Caribbean, where our artists can create a sand sculpture to fit your theme,” Kelly says. “The small island requires that we order and import things, so you need to order in advance. There are no street lights, [and] there are monkey and donkey crossings, so give a little extra time while planning off-site dinners.” Cinthya Cabrera, meeting planner and general manager at Sunlinc, created a fare- well gala dinner on South Beach at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis. “The blank canvas of the beach alongside the backdrop of Nevis Peak and the Caribbean Sea was absolutely perfect for a really special evening,” Cabrera says. “We were able to customize the infra- structure to match the vision of the event in this magnificent space. The Four Seasons Resort Nevis is authentic Caribbean luxury with traditional plantation-style accents with a perfectly modern twist. This stunning resort is fully committed to the highest stan- dard of quality and service, offering a sense of place at this unique secluded destination.” The country of St. Kitts & Nevis offers activities unique to each island, which are 2-1/2 miles apart. Courtesy of St. Kitts Tourism TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | December 2021-January 2022 41Cabrera adds that if your incen- tive trip requires a high-end secluded Caribbean experience, she highly rec- ommends considering St. Kitts & Nevis. “While sometimes clients are con- cerned that there will not be enough to do on a small Caribbean island, this, in fact, is far from the reality. Unlike other islands in the Caribbean, St. Kitts & Nevis are one country, featuring two islands, where there is no passport con- trol, no borders and no immigration between them,” Cabrera says. “Since the islands are 2-1/2 miles apart, the ability to offer attendees two totally unique islands during a multi-day pro- gram really does set this destination apart from all others.” There also is an abundance of activi- ties between the two islands. Attendees can enjoy rainforest hiking tours, sun- set horseback riding, customized rum and plantation tours, biking tours, zip lining, 4x4 off-road tours, a double story scenic train that runs on tracks built more than a century ago, plenty of water sports and more. U.S. Virgin Islands Considered to be the classic Carib- bean experience, the U.S. Virgin Islands are ideal backdrops for meeting and incentive events. Set amidst breathtaking natural beauty, nestled between Great Bay and a green mountainous skyline, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas features an alluring blend of sea-inspired luxury amenities and a new Caribbean-inspired design. The resort reopened its doors in 2019, following a period of extensive enhancements. The all-encompassing, $100 million project includes fully rede- signed public spaces, rooms and suites, events and meetings spaces, and dining venues. The reimagined resort brings the beauty of the U.S Virgin Islands to life, enticing business and leisure travelers to fall in love with the property and the destination all over again. Lauren Cramer, chief event planner at Turn-Key Events, orchestrated an annual incentive trip for Rapid7 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. “Our attend- ees are looking for warm weather with lots of activities. As planners, we were looking for a high level of service that could carry out the vision that we had. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas went beyond our expectations,” Cramer says. “At every step, they offered cre- ative solutions and were committed to executing a flawless event for us. After our initial site visit, we knew we part- nered with the right hotel to create an outstanding experience.” The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas fea- tures more than 10,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meetings and events space, seven outdoor function venues, includ- ing two ocean view gazebos, and five indoor meeting rooms totaling 5,141 sf with ample pre-function areas. Its exquisite Great Bay Ballroom offers high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling win- dows, state-of-the-art A/V equipment and technicians, and private dining at Oasis at Bleuwater, which accommo- dates up to 50 attendees. Cayman Islands “Beyond the perfect weather and crystal blue waters, sourcing an incen- tive trip to the Caribbean offers your attendees a unique experience of diversity, gorgeous scenery and incred- ible cuisine,” says Kelly Hamlet, direc- tor of catering and events at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa. Located on Grand Cayman, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is the boutique hotel company’s first international luxury resort, deliver- ing an unforgettable island escape. Seafire opened its doors in November 2016, offering contemporary archi- tecture that unfolds dramatically to the grounds, the beach and the sea. Kimpton Seafire’s meetings and events spaces amplify the setting, with eclec- tic and inspiring interiors, and ample opportunities for indoor/outdoor activities. The hotel offers 13,630 sf of indoor meetings and events space, and 9,350 sf of thoughtfully designed out- door function space offering ideal ven- ues for Caribbean-crafted weddings, social celebrations, incentive group events and corporate meetings. “Few destinations offer such a variety of water sports options for all experience levels, incredible range of regional cuisines with the freshest seafood, unique and beautiful cultural customs, along with the highest level of luxury service,” Hamlet says. “Make sure to include a sunset catamaran trip for all of your incentive groups. This is a team-bonding experience that will be remembered fondly by all.” Turks & Caicos From executive retreats and small corporate meetings to once-in-a-life- time incentive programs, Beach Enclave Turks & Caicos can accommodate groups of up to 90 attendees. Planners The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas offers more than 10,000 sf of indoor and outdoor meetings and events space, seven outdoor function venues, including two ocean view gazebos, and five indoor meeting rooms. 42 December 2021-January 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comcan choose from 27 private, luxuriously appointed villas located in three distinc- tive, beachfront communities. For mem- orable dining, a variety of themed cater- ing menus are available, or groups can have their menus customized to their tastes and preferences by their personal in-villa chef. Pop-up dining experiences bringing in the flavors of local restau- rants are also available upon request. Located on the southeastern edge of Providenciales, Beach Enclave Long Bay is a dream-come-true incentive destination. This stunning, white-sand beach stretches more than 3 miles and ranks among the top 10 beaches in the world year after year. Groups can enjoy ideal conditions for water sports or even take on a new adventure, such as kiteboarding. Rising 40 feet above the ocean on the island’s more remote northern shore, Beach Enclave North Shore features dramatic, elevated views of Turks & Cai- cos’ world-famous turquoise waters. Set within 10 acres of indigenous landscape, this location is ideal for groups seeking the utmost privacy and exclusivity. Beach Enclave’s third and newest location, Beach Enclave Grace Bay, is situated just steps from the island’s best restaurants, shopping and nightlife. For groups seeking rejuvenation after a day, or night, full of play, wellness classes by Beach Enclave’s resident yoga instruc- tors are available. Each small group session takes place on an open-air, ocean-facing deck. Options include yoga, meditation, intention setting and gratitude journaling, to name a few. “Undoubtedly, the biggest draw of hosting a program in the Caribbean is the inspiring, picture-perfect setting. Turks & Caicos is blessed by Mother Nature with spectacular beaches and superb weather year-round,” says Keyona Cow- ard, director of sales at Beach Enclave. “The villas at Beach Enclave are designed to bring the beauty of the outdoors in with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, expansive terraces and exclusive access to a private beach, ensuring a captive and engaged audience.” Anguilla Melanie Sell, meeting planner and senior program manager at First Incen- tive Travel, recently orchestrated an incentive trip to Zemi Beach House in Anguilla, a small boutique resort ideal for the demands of small incentive cor- porate groups or general buyouts of around 150 people amidst a collection of 76 rooms. “We have an original and laid back — but exquisite — approach to our meetings and events,” says Antoine Alsayah, director of sales & marketing at Zemi Beach House. “You will not find banquet halls in paradise.” The event Sell planned rewarded top dealers of a company’s brand. The attendees were leadership level individ- uals, such as CEOs and company own- ers. “This group consisted of 135 people total. The program was very detailed and had many moving parts, from speedboat transfers from Saint-Martin, small group excursions on Anguilla and Saint-Mar- tin, to full group excursions, including a one-day buyout of a small island with catamaran transfers,” Sell says. “[Other activities included] an upscale awards presentation night, on-site live gifting experiences with the addition of room drop items each night, local entertain- ment, local photographers, themed and coordinated décor for on-site and off- site dinners, and events and fun after- dinner parties.” She adds, “This client strives to create a better program than the previous year. While some elements may seem over the top to some, they have become an expectation of sorts for these attendees. They look forward to being spoiled for their hard work year after year — and rightly so.” The staff at Zemi Beach House are experts at utilizing event-appropriate inventive spaces, such as the resort’s gorgeously appointed spacious suites with oceanfront views, the beautiful Rum Room or directly on the beach on Shoal Bay, considered one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. “The island is off the beaten path, quiet, laid- back, authentic and secluded,” Sell says. “It’s a perfect fit for a hideaway or an intimate gathering, with lots of pri- vacy, making it a celebrity favorite, and for those looking to just get away and relax away from the crowds.” Puerto Rico Considered one of the most beauti- ful, culturally diverse and accessible islands in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico — a U.S. territory — is a sunburst of tropical indulgences. Puerto Rico is known for its beaches, unique attractions and adven- tures. A business trip to the island would not be complete without some time set aside to explore Puerto Rico’s culture. According to Brad Dean, CEO, Dis- cover Puerto Rico, the island is under- going developments to bolster its cur- rent lodging inventory of more than 163 hotel options, with nearly 14,500 hotel rooms open and operating. Most recently, Puerto Rico opened DIS- TRITO T-Mobile, a world-class, 5-acre experiential complex combining the best in global retail, destination din- Courtesy of the Turks & Caicos Tourist Board The Turks & Caicos islands, which offer world-renowned diving, are 30 miles southeast of the Bahamas and 90 minutes from Miami by air. 44 December 2021-January 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.coming with 12 gastronomic concepts, art, entertainment, music, technology and hospitality. It’s conveniently located in the Puerto Rico Convention Center District, just 6 miles from San Juan International Airport and alongside several hotels. This complex is destined to be the ideal option for events, con- ventions and performances, offering a multi-sensory, audiovisual and techno- logically advanced experience. “We understand our meeting plan- ners’ needs, especially with the lat- est evolutions of the industry, and our industry partners have adapted to the movement in offering both visual and hybrid options in the space,” Dean says. “The Puerto Rico Convention Cen- ter has an in-house broadcast studio, where hybrid meetings can be broadcast to vir- tual attendees with a plug-and-play concept for ease of use. Despite the pandemic, this time has brought us an opportunity to rethink how tourism interacts with our economy, society, resources and infrastructure.” As Louise Bang, regional vice presi- dent, sales and dis- tribution at Marriott International, Carib- bean & Latin America, explains, Puerto Rico offers the perfect balance between busi- ness and pleasure. Here you’ll find the ease of doing business in a U.S. market along with the beauty and climate of a Caribbean destination. “There’s no pass- port required for U.S. citizens, the dollar is the island’s currency, and English is widely spoken throughout the island. Plus, you’ll find convenient airlift travel options to the island, including a variety of daily air service from cities through- out the U.S., and fully vaccinated passen- gers on domestic flights no longer need a negative COVID-19 test to enter Puerto Rico,” Bang says. Marriott International boasts a vari- ety of lodging options on the island, from first-class business hotels in urban tourist areas, such as the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, to high-end tailored gatherings and buyouts ideal for group meetings, incentive trips and executive retreats at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. “And with plenty of outdoor attractions to choose from, attendees will create unforgettable memories while hiking to [everything from] tropical rainforests to waterfalls; exploring Old San Juan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; enjoying its entic- ing gastronomy; or simply meeting its people, who are charismatic, hospitable and passionate,” Bang says. In terms of the ultimate venues, San Juan’s new premier entertainment hub has something for everyone. If you’re looking for a place that has it all, the DISTRITO T-Mobile should be on any meeting planner’s radar. This trendy spot is ideal for experiencing Puerto Rican art, flavors, rum culture, music, dance, adventure and overall vibrancy. For large-scale events, the Puerto Rico Convention Center has more than 500,000 sf of versatile meeting space and the most technologically advanced A/V capabilities in the region. The firm Serra & Serra Group, which specializes in continuing medical edu- cation events, has coordinated several events at the Caribe Hilton hotel in San Juan. One of the most outstanding was the XXIX Annual Congress of the Ibero-Latin American Society of Diag- nostic and Therapeutic Neuroradiol- ogy. This event was attended by about 400 people from various countries in Latin America, Europe, and the United States. Caribe Hilton offers a series of attributes that make any event memo- rable. It has spacious and comfortable meet- ing rooms, ideal for all types of activities, as well as spectacular exteriors. Specifically, the property features more than 65,000 sf of versatile meeting space, which incorpo- rates three ballrooms and plenty of picturesque out- door event spaces, inclu- sive of the resort’s beach, sprawling oceanfront pool area, sweeping gardens, a gazebo, terraces and more. In addition to plenty of outdoor space, the hotel provides groups with the option to keep accommo- dations within one build- ing or wing of the hotel. “For our event, we sought a hotel that also had a histori- cal background representative of the island,” says Vionesse Serra, president of Serra & Serra Group. “The Caribe Hilton brand is synonymous with Puerto Rico, and we wanted our international guests to have a first-class Puerto Rican and Caribbean experience.” Caribe Hilton’s meetings and events space is big enough to accommodate convention-sized groups, yet the prop- erty offers a true leisure feel so groups get the best of both worlds and enjoy San Juan in style. “We offer a variety of on-site amenities for groups, including Courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, standing, says the island is working to further develop it’s hotels, activities and attractions. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | December 2021-January 2022 45a secluded beach, ocean- front swimming pools, snorkeling and ‘snuba’ diving, tennis clinics at the Monica Puig ten- nis center, piña colada demos, revitalizing spa services and more,” says Letty Rivero, director of sales and marketing at Caribe Hilton. When they’re not soaking up the sun or learning to blend the perfect cocktail, attend- ees have easy access to the area’s hottest res- taurants and bars, rainforest excur- sions, local food and rum tours, and additional activities that showcase the island’s rich culture. The Bahamas With more than 700 islands and cays, and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 55 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly- away escape. There is world-class fish- ing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of spectacular water and beaches. Nassau is the tourism hub of the island chain, boasting luxurious resorts, casi- nos, dining, shopping and a vibrant nightlife — in other words, there are plenty of activities for attendees. The largest and most popular resorts on Nassau include Atlantis, Paradise Island and Baha Mar. Atlantis offers five types of accommodations from which to choose: The Cove, The Royal, The Coral, The Beach and The Reef. There is more than 200,000 sf of indoor meet- ings and events space, including the Imperial Ballroom, which, at 50,000 sf, can accommodate as many as 4,000 attendees. The 25,000-sf Grand Ball- room can accommodate groups of up to 2,700. There is 300,000 sf of outdoor meetings and events space, including the Royal Deck and Cove Beach. Baha Mar is home to three uniquely designed resorts with amenities that include the Caribbean’s largest casino, at 100,000 sf. There is also a 30,000-sf spa, a convention center and more than 40 res- taurants, bars and lounges. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar offers 1,800 guest rooms and suites; SLS Baha Mar offers 300 rooms, including 107 residences; and Rosewood Baha Mar offers 185 oceanview rooms and suites, and five beachfront villas. Baha Mar’s Performing Arts and Con- vention Center, which doubles as an art gallery, offers 200,000 sf of state-of-the- art indoor and outdoor spaces. Tips For the Caribbean When orchestrating an event in the Caribbean, Hamlet says it’s impor- tant to remember that “island time” is a real thing. “Always remember to adapt as best [as you can] to the local culture, especially when on-site, as the local staff and vendors may be more relaxed than you are used to in city destinations,” Hamlet says. “A big smile goes a long way, as islanders place a great importance on hospital- ity and kindness.” Also, book your vendors further in advance than when work- ing domestic programs, especially on smaller Caribbean islands or dur- ing peak group season from February to May. Hamlet adds that the benefit of traveling to the Caribbean region is that there are so many cul- tural experiences for your attendees to engage in during their trip. “An immersive Carib- bean cultural event can be a life- changing moment for guests new to the region, so make sure to include a touch of the island when planning your wel- come reception entertain- ment,” Hamlet says. “Seek local vendors to enhance your group events, from bas- ket weavers to local cigar roll- ers, to indigenous musicians, all the while supporting the local economy.” Peter Lombard, meeting planner and founder/CEO of Globe Guides, a company focused on helping compa- nies around the world plan staff retreats, incentive trips, leadership retreats and events, recommends getting off property for at least some of the meals, as there are so many great restaurants across the region that give such varied angles on culture, food and the people that it really steps up the experience. “Also, let people come in and unwind the rest of the day. This kills two birds with one stone, any flight delays will not impact the pro- gram, and everyone is in a rested and excited state of mind for the full event,” Lombard says. “And be sure to look at what the region has beyond the prop- erty. More and more travelers are want- ing an immersive experience, not just a vacation. This means that while the hotel is very important, it cannot stand alone; there have to be local restaurants, activities [and] local guides to complete the experience that a growing number of today’s travelers expect.” C&IT Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas offers more than 200,000 sf of indoor meetings and events space. 46 December 2021-January 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.com your event can MAKE A DIFFERENCE Atlantis is proud to support World Central Kitchen (WCK) and their mission to use the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. When you hold your event at Atlantis you can help further the humanitarian efforts of World Central Kitchen. Simply choose the WCK banquet option and a donation will be made in your organization’s name along with a matching donation from Atlantis. MEETINGS • INCENTIVES • CONVENTIONS • EVENTS For more information visit MeetingsAtAtlantis.com or call 800.722.2449 There have to be local restaurants, activities [and] local guides to complete the experience that a growing number of today’s travelers expect. PETER LOMBARD Meeting Planner and Founder/CEO Globe Guidesyour event can MAKE A DIFFERENCE Atlantis is proud to support World Central Kitchen (WCK) and their mission to use the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. When you hold your event at Atlantis you can help further the humanitarian efforts of World Central Kitchen. Simply choose the WCK banquet option and a donation will be made in your organization’s name along with a matching donation from Atlantis. MEETINGS • INCENTIVES • CONVENTIONS • EVENTS For more information visit MeetingsAtAtlantis.com or call 800.722.2449New Orleans & Company, touting the area’s resilience, is poised for meetings and events business to return to pre-pandemic levels. Photo courtesy of New Orleans & Company LOUISIANA Pouring on the Southern Charm to Welcome Back Events BY CHRISTINE LOOMIS DESTINATION // 48 December 2021-January 2022 | Corporate & Incentive Travel | TheMeetingMagazines.comL ouisiana is ready for 2022, and across the state, in-person meetings are on a significant rise. Not surprisingly, optimism reigns for this state, with its boundless bon-vivant attitude. NEW ORLEANS “In New Orleans, we know a thing or two about overcoming challenges and coming back stronger,” says Stephen Perry, president/CEO of New Orleans & Company. “New Orleans’ offerings for corporate planners actually increased during the pandemic, including [with our] new Four Seasons, Kimpton and Virgin hotels; the pedestrian park at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Conven- tion Center and more. The city has one of the highest vaccinated populations in the country, and the finest COVID- 19 safety protocols in place for business meetings and major events. Our team of professionals at New Orleans & Com- pany is battled-tested, resilient, and built to host in 2022 and beyond.” Companies that have hosted meet- ings in New Orleans over many years also have faith in the city’s resilience and ability to provide a safe place to meet. “New Orleans is and has been the per- fect destination for Jefferson Financial Inc.’s New Orleans Investment Confer- ence for nearly five decades,” says Brien Lundin, CEO and owner. The group of 850 met in mid-fall 2021, based at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. “[At one point in 2020], we weren’t sure if an in- person meeting was even an option [for 2021], or if we would need to go virtual again for the second year in a row. New Orleans & Company, the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, and the entire hospi- tality industry, went above and beyond to ensure that we were able to execute a successful in-person event and worked with us every step of the way to not only keep us safe, but to create unforget- table experiences for our delegates. We remained in close contact with the hotel and New Orleans & Company every step of the way, over-communicating while we navigated new challenges together, which gave us comfort and trust as we overcame concerns.” Lundin says the Hilton fully under- stood the company’s program from start to finish, even going beyond expecta- tions. “They were able to use the same amount of space and pattern that our group was accustomed to,” he says. Nat- urally, some changes were made to the schedule to provide maximum safety. “The Hilton’s expertise and knowl- edge allowed us to pivot our standard programming around COVID restrictions to keep everyone safe, such as moving the keynote address to the end, rather than ending with the typical networking event,” Lundin says. As with most meetings, solid relation- ships made all the differ- ence. “These strong part- nerships in New Orleans were key to our success,” Lundin adds, “and we can’t wait to work with them again in 2022.” Meetings may have slowed in 2020, but new developments did not. The 341-room Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences, and 238-room Virgin Hotels New Orleans, opened last summer. The 202-room Kimpton Hotel Fontenot had its grand reopening — after a brief open- ing in 2020 — in late spring 2021. Bou- tique property Hotel St. Vincent opened early last summer with 75 rooms and a modern event space adjacent, and One11 Hotel, which opened at the end of 2020, became the first new hotel in more than 50 years to open in the French Quarter. It features an art gallery and a rooftop space with views over the French Quar- ter and Mississippi River. Additionally, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Cen- ter is working on achieving LEED silver certification and to reduce the carbon footprint of future conventions. BATON ROUGE Paul Arrigo, president and CEO of Visit Baton Rouge, says his city saw many gains last year, and he thinks things will only get better in the months to come. “Leisure and tran- sient business were strong in 2021. We’re optimistic that 2022 will see a repeat of 2021 with leisure and tran- sient being strong.” Baton Rouge, he continues, is ben- efitting from an overall higher demand for smaller cities. “There seems to be Photo by Linka Odom Richard Branson, center left, celebrates the recent grand opening of Virgin Hotels New Orleans. TheMeetingMagazines.com | Corporate & Incentive Travel | December 2021-January 2022 49 Our team of professionals at New Orleans & Company is battled-tested, resilient, and built to host in 2022 and beyond. STEPHEN PERRY President/CEO New Orleans & CompanyNext >