Interview with the General Manager of Hyatt Regency Trinidad

Hyatt Regency Trinidad, one of the region's premier business and meetings hotels, is located in the city of Port of Spain, a business capital of the Caribbean. Over the past three years, the hotel has hosted important international meetings with heads of state from around the world, including President Obama and Queen Elizabeth II and since its opening in 2008, the staff has been led by seasoned hospitality veteran, Russell George.

Below, Mr. George shares some insights on a variety of topics including factors that make Port of Spain a business capital and the hotel's plans for the highly-anticipated Carnival season.

How does the hotel fit into the tourism offerings in Trinidad?

The Hyatt is the island's largest full-service hotel to open in 46 years and we offer the most expansive meeting space in the southern Caribbean. Located in downtown Port of Spain, we are ideally situated for business travelers and those looking to be near all the activity of the city, especially during Carnival. The Hyatt's versatile event space showcases a 16,000 square-foot Regency Ballroom and a 10,000 square-foot Port of Spain Ballroom with translation facilities, as well as meeting rooms ranging in size from 571 to 1,274 square feet.

Why is Port of Spain considered the business capital of the Caribbean?

Port of Spain is considered the business capital because it is an important financial and insurance services center for the Caribbean and is home to two of the largest banks in the region. The city also boasts the largest container port on the island and is one of several shipping hubs of the Caribbean, exporting both agricultural products and manufactured goods.

How does Hyatt Regency Trinidad celebrate Carnival?

We prepare to welcome back all the revelers staying at the hotel from the Carnival festivities in comfort. For example, after they've been dancing in the streets and covered in mud for the traditional j'ouvert celebration, we offer them outdoor showers, plush robes, slippers and breakfast to-go. We celebrate carnival here at the hotel with our very own fete called LIME, with live music and performances, a wide variety of food and Caribbean-inspired cocktails.

Even though this is a business hotel, what offerings appeal to the leisure traveler or the business traveler looking to unwind?

We offer a rooftop infinity pool with sweeping views of the gulf, a 24-hour fitness center, full-service Spa Esencia, sushi bar and Waterfront, our fine dining restaurant serving local and international cuisine. Leisure travelers and those looking to unwind after a long day can sit on our Lobby Terrace overlooking the water and enjoy our tapas menu and signature award-winning drinks.

How does the hotel work with the island's new convention and visitor's bureau?

The new Trinidad and Tobago Convention Bureau (TTCB) acts as an intermediary between hotels and meetings coordinators or local chapters of international organizations, local business chambers and incoming groups. We partner with the convention bureau whenever there is an opportunity for us to support and host groups coming to the island.

For more information and hotel reservations, visit trinidad.hyatt.com.