| Celebration, Fla. (April 8, 2004) � Wedding
and travel professionals interested in increasing their share of the booming
destination wedding market can join the newly formed Caribbean Wedding
Association - created with a mission to advance the Caribbean wedding industry
and act as a forum for idea exchange, trend updates and professional development.
�We recognized a need to improve the professional growth of those who service the region�s growing destination wedding industry,� said Grinnals. �The CWA�s unified approach will promote the Caribbean�s 34 incredible countries as top-ranking options for those couples seeking an island wedding experience.� The Conde Nast Bridal Group estimates that destination weddings now account for nearly 10 percent of the overall 2.4 million marriages held in the United States each year � a figure that has exploded in the past decade. In addition, the average number of guests that are traveling to attend destination weddings is 46. The association will offer its members a variety of benefits including continuing education and certification programs, annual meetings and marketing opportunities including co-op advertising and integrated promotions. Additionally, members will receive the latest market-specific research and statistics, referrals via a consumer-based website launching summer 2004, a tips and trends newsletter, tools and services to support marketing and sales efforts, and a special designation and logo to use on websites and in collateral materials. The association will help better position the Caribbean as a viable choice for couples seeking the ideal destination to tie the knot. Charter members include such industry notables as Sandals and Beaches Resorts, BRIDE�S Magazine, Modern Bride Magazine, the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, TheKnot, WeddingChannel.com, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and many more. Wedding industry providers and travel professionals looking to increase their share of the booming Caribbean market can join the CWA for just $375 per member, per year. Corporate memberships and sponsorships also are offered. Contact 407-566-8000 or visit the new web site at www.caribbeanweddingassociation.com for more information. |
