SCARBOROUGH, Tobago - The year 2012 was a big year for romance in Tobago as the Division of Tourism and Transportation of the Tobago House of Assembly took several significant steps to develop the island’s wedding and honeymoon niche. In August 2012 the Division orchestrated the formation of the Tobago Bridal Association (TBA) and in September it launched an aggressive international marketing campaign, promoting Tobago as a truly romantic destination at various trade shows in the United Kingdom and Canada. Now, as the year comes to a close, the Division will host the third annual ‘Tobago... Truly Romantic Wedding and Honeymoon Symposium’ from November 27-29 at the Magdalena Grand Beach Resort.

In line with the Division’s thrust to raise Tobago’s profile internationally, the symposium will connect local industry stakeholders with internationally acclaimed wedding experts. Allowing for three full days of professional networking, the symposium is designed to strengthen the capacity of local vendors while simultaneously selling Tobago to visiting romance specialists.

Targeting all individuals and organizations that contribute to the island’s romance niche, from hoteliers and caterers to photographers and decorators, the symposium will compromise several elements. Workshops will focus on key areas like event planning, crisis management and website development. Additionally, international participants will engage in tours and site visits designed to acquaint the delegates with Tobago’s unique product.

The event will feature several prominent speakers, including television personality and celebrity event designer, Samantha Goldberg, who is most famous for her role as host of The Style Network hit series, Who’s Wedding is it Anyway? and president and CEO of Global Bridal Group, Jacqueline Johnson. Other presenters include Julie Kittredge, Advertising Director at Destination Weddings and Honeymoons magazine; Johnson Johnrose, Communications Specialist at the Caribbean Tourism Organization; destination-wedding tour operator, June Dixon; web developer and videographer, Oliver Forel and local wedding planner, Asha Mars of Perfect Weddings and Events.