| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 03/07/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 46 |
| Copyright: Other |
Programme development by Helen Arnold
Wedding packages won over by a quiet charm
Islands follow success of neighbouring countries
If it’s good enough for Mick and Jerry then it’s certainly good enough for the rest of us. Getting married overseas is now big business, and the Caribbean is one of the most popular destinations for couples looking for a more glamorous venue than Gretna Green to say “I do”.Barbados, St Lucia and Jamaica have been the most popular islands for weddings but now Trinidad and Tobago is starting to muscle in on this lucrative market.
According to the islands’ director of tourism Dr Carla Noel, the number of weddings taking place has increased by 500% in the last four years. “People are looking for unique ways to celebrate such a pinnacle in their lives,” she said. “The islands have been largely undiscovered to date but we have so much to offer visitors. We have a number of very good wedding planners who ensure clients have a hassle-free wedding.
“There is also a lot of new property development going on, meaning we are able to offer a high standard of accommodation. But we are not a mass-market destination, so crowds are not a problem.”
A number of operators now offer Tobago in their wedding packages. Kuoni has featured the island in its wedding brochure for over 10 years. Special services manager Phil Boswell confirmed: “The number of couples getting married in Tobago in the past year has increased by 30%.
“Tobago is what people expect the Caribbean to be like; it has got dramatic scenery and some stunning beaches. It is also a lot quieter and underdeveloped compared to other Caribbean islands.” As a result of increasing demand, Kuoni has added another property, the new Hilton, Tobago, bringing the total to five.
Tradewinds marketing manager Mark Blewitt also reports that Tobago is becoming increasingly popular among couples who are keen to opt out of the traditional wedding at home. He said: “While weddings in Tobago are on the up, they are still not on the same scale as Barbados or St Lucia. People go to Tobago for its quiet charm. We have included it for the first time this year in our weddings brochure.”
Another operator to have introduced wedding packages in Tobago for the first time this year is Thomas Cook Holidays. “We have had a pretty good response so far,” said Caribbean product manager Mac Campbell. “It’s a smaller more exclusive island, and the lead-in price is only £625 for seven nights at the Rex Turtle Beach, plus £200 for the wedding.”
Unijet also reports an increasing level of demand from customers, since Tobago was introduced as a wedding destination in its weddings brochure in 1999.
“In February this year Unijet had booked 100 weddings to Tobago for summer 2000. Tobago is now our sixth most popular wedding destination after Cancun, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, St Lucia and Barbados,” said spokeswoman Gwynneth Harkus.
Make the match:Tobago has seen weddings on the island leap an incredible 500% over the last four years
factfile
Getting married on trinidad and tobago
n Couples must be 18 years of age.
n Couples must take the following documents with them: copies of birth certificates; legal proof if names have been changed by Deed Poll; valid 10-year passports; Decree Absolute if divorced; Death Certificate of former spouse and previous Marriage Certificate (if widowed); all original documents are to be hand carried to the island.
n Couples must be resident for three days before they can marry. Couples wishing to marry after three working days can purchase a special licence costing around £30.
n Marriages are legal in Britain but they cannot be registered here.
n Non-British citizens are advised to check with their own embassies in Trinidad and Tobago as well as the registrar in their own country as to what the position is regarding marriage regulations.