Port of Spain Travel and Things to Do Guide

Situated in the southern Caribbean, just outside of the hurricane belt, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago consists of its two eponymous main islands as well as 21 smaller surrounding islands. As the birthplace of the steeldrum, calypso music and limbo dancing, the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago offer a vibrant cultural scene, steeped in heritage and tradition, including a famed two-day Carnival that is held every spring. Trinidad and Tobago MICE venues are filled with this spirited atmosphere, while the nation's booming economy, breathtaking scenery and first-class facilities make the sister-islands a lively meetings and events scene. Trinidad's Piarco International Airport is located just 27 kilometers east of Port of Spain, Trinidad's capital city. Serving as a hub for Caribbean Airlines, Piarco International offers flights to destinations throughout the U.S., Canada, the UK, South America and the Caribbean. On Tobago, the Crown Point International offers approximately 60 flights per week to destinations throughout Europe and the Caribbean. Hotel venues in Trinidad and Tobago feature the 412-room Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre, which spans 25 acres of landscaped grounds overlooking the Gulf of Paria and Queen's Park Savannah. The Hilton’s modern facilities can accommodate up to 1,000 people among 2,192 square meters of meeting and exhibit space, including and the 964-square-meter Grand Ballroom makes for an elegant reception locale. The Hilton Trinidad also has 20 flexible function rooms ranging in size from 30 to 494 square meters. Elsewhere, the Hyatt Regency Trinidad at the International Waterfront Centre (which also includes the 1,500-seat National Academy of the Performing Arts, or NAPA) at the Port of Spain, features 428 guest rooms, superior amenities and a 55,000-square-foot conference center. The exceptional special event facilities in Trinidad and Tobago are the perfect complement to its world-class unique venues. Groups can enjoy cocktails among 200 species of orchids at Port of Spain's Royal Botanic Gardens or celebrate the islands' diversity at Port of Spain's National Museum and Art Gallery, home to roughly 10,000 pieces depicting past and present Trinidadian life. Groups can also savor the delicious blend of Spanish, Creole, African and East Indian flavors found in native cuisine by inviting attendees to dine at one of the islands' many restaurants. Port of Spain's Trotters, a relaxed Caribbean restaurant popular with locals, can accommodate 20 to 100 people. Prime Steakhouse promises an upscale experience with its rich interior and savory fare. On Tobago, Patino's Restaurant offers everything, from grilled lobster to Caribbean shrimp to Thai platters. (At any number of restaurants, visitors should be sure sample native delicacies such as the Bake and Shark, deep-fried shark meat served on fried dough, and the Cascadura fish doused in pepper sauce, a must-have condiment for almost any dish.) With its sandy beaches, lush forests and sparkling waters, Trinidad and Tobago is clearly a draw for its natural wonders. From March to August, guests can journey to the beaches of the northern coast to see the endangered Leatherback turtles, the largest of all marine turtles, come ashore for nesting season. All year, visitors cool off at Buccoo Reef, regarded as one of the Caribbean's most accessible and spectacular coral reefs. Back on land, hike one of several trails in the Tobago Forest Reserve, the oldest protected rainforest in the Western Hemisphere. Or, make a trip to the Asa Wright Nature Center, location of the only known accessible breeding colony for the Oilbird species. With golfing, sport fishing, windsurfing and scuba diving just a few more outdoor options popular on the islands, one thing is for sure: it's easy to understand why the spirited, party-loving people of Trinidad and Tobago have so much to celebrate.