The numbers are in, and from bookings and delegate spend to capital investment and economic development, virtually every Lone Star State destination is reporting robust, often record, group growth and returns. In true Texas frontier spirit, the drive is on for even more.

Sports Report

Lone Star Feast

Mexico’s 32 states promise tremendous diversity when it comes to flavors and specialties. In Cancun, much of the cuisine is inspired by neighboring Yucatan, including many dishes made with pork, such as cochinita pibil or lechon. Executive Chef Juan Zahoul Retes at The Grand at Moon Palace Cancun and Executive Chef Sergio Zarate of the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun share their takes on the local culinary scene.

Caribbean chefs are putting their stamps on the culinary delights of their islands, garnished with influences from all over the world.

Some might say Savannah is about as deep as you can go in the Deep South. But groups can go even deeper by visiting the neighborhoods in and around the city, discovering culture, nature and history while gaining a deeper appreciation for this seaside haven that is not only the state’s oldest city but one of its most photogenic.

Yes, cageless shark diving is a thing. As is moonlight ziplining and skateboarding on water, aka flyboarding. All around North America, the variety of coastal adventures available to groups offers intriguing diversions from the confines of a meeting room.

"Talent wins games,” once said all-time basketball great Michael Jordan, whose three seasons at the University of North Carolina included making the winning jump shot as a freshman in the 1982 national championship game, “but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.” Visit North Carolina, contracted by the North Carolina Department of Commerce to lead tourism development as a business unit of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, embraces this wisdom in its industry-specific marketing programs, sports included.

The Dominican Republic has long been popular as a vacation destination with high-end accommodations, modern infrastructure (including eight international airports) and long sultry stretches of beach that promise—and deliver—a plethora of sun-soaked activities enjoyable for all ages. What remains a bit of a mystery is that this magical island, discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492 and rich with history, also offers numerous venues that deliver flexible and interesting event space options in the meeting-popular cities of Santo Domingo, Punta Cana and Puerto Plata.

Thirty-nine diverse cities and towns make up the Palm Beaches, spanning more than 2,300 square miles across 47 miles of beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches. In addition to the beach, there’s 125 miles of the Intracoastal Waterway. With so much water, swimming, boating, fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding and myriad other activities on the beach are all right there for the asking.