Photo: A couple strolls along the beach at Stone Haven Bay

SCARBOROUGH, Tobago - The perfect wedding begins and ends with the perfect venue and Tobago possesses a spectacular selection of ideal locations, from the traditional to the unconventional.

Whether you’ve always envisioned walking down an aisle of white sand on a deserted stretch of beach or pictured yourself saying your vows amidst the battle-scarred ruins of an old fort. Whether you desire a timeless ceremony in a centuries old chapel or the unique experience of becoming husband and wife in the crystal clear waters of the island’s very own fountain of youth…the options abound. And there are scores of professionals with years of experience in the bridal industry who are ready and willing to make your dream wedding a reality.

Over the past decade, destination weddings have mushroomed from a cost-cutting trend to a booming market within the billion dollar wedding industry. Now, more than one out of every ten couples make the choice to say ‘I do’ outside of their hometown and Tobago is poised to capitalize on this burgeoning niche. With its picture perfect views, authentic island experience and intimate venues, Tobago is ideal for those seeking something beyond the cookie-cutter resort packages available elsewhere in the Caribbean.

In order to create a more seamless process for couples planning their big day from a distance, the Division of Tourism and Transportation of the Tobago House of Assembly, in collaboration with key stakeholders, will launch the first Tobago Bridal Association. The Division will host a seminar to discuss the coordination of the association on August 8 and 9, 2012 at the Magdalena Grand Beach Resort.

President and CEO of the Global Bridal Group, Jaqueline Johnson, will facilitate the event. Johnson, who also serves as the Director of Bridal Travel Insights for the Wedding Report Inc., Wedding & Honeymoon Correspondent with Questex Publishing, Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation, and Executive Board Member of the Association of Travel Marketing Executives, will guide the process in its early stages.


Photo: A couple takes in a beautiful sunset at Bacolet Bay

The association is expected to strengthen ties between vendors and visiting couples, while forging strategic partnerships between organizations that have proximity to the industry, such as hotels, villas, independent companies, other associations, the THA, TDC and other government agencies. It will promote high standards and policies that preserve the integrity of the business of wedding planning. Additionally, it is expected to aid in lobbying with the regulatory bodies to ensure the local landscape is conducive to industry needs.

Thus far, the island has been present for major trade shows, including the London and Toronto National Wedding Shows; and it has been featured in editorials in major magazines, such as Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Bridal Guide and Honeymoons magazine. This exposure has initiated whispers throughout the industry, as dozens of inquiries are being fielded weekly through various publications and ads posted on the destination’s Facebook page.

The formation of the Tobago Bridal Association is the next logical step in establishing the destination as a venue of choice within the industry. Therefore, the Division is inviting all persons involved in the wedding industry to attend the seminar in August to offer their insight; initiate constructive dialogue and most importantly register with the association to ensure visiting wedding parties benefit from the truest form of Tobagonian hospitality. For more information call 639-2125 ext. 2220 or send an email to contact@visittobago.gov.tt.