The U.S. Virgin Islands made major strides by strengthening the territory’s position as a premier wedding destination in the Caribbean.

Following its hosting of a four-day Bridal Symposium in St. Thomas this week, the Department of Tourism reported renewed interest in the destination from travel sellers who used destination updates and promotions to drive weddings business to St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.

“The weddings and honeymoon market is big business for us and has great growth potential,” said Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty. “The symposium showcased the diverse product of the islands while providing the opportunity for industry influencers to network with their local counterparts”, she added.

The symposium attracted more than 60 attendees, including visiting journalists, wedding experts, travel agents specializing in destination weddings as well as local wedding industry professionals. Sessions were moderated by celebrity television host Mar Jennings with discussions focused on business trends, wedding planning secrets, the benefits of bridal shows, post wedding etiquette, and how to make a destination wedding a seamless event.

“The USVI Bridal Symposium has been by far one of the best educational experiences for travel consultants in the destination weddings and honeymoon market,” said Cheryl Jones of Lez Go Travel in Atlanta.

Due to the success of the event, a second U.S. Virgin Islands Bridal Symposium is being planned for next year, in St. Croix.

United States Virgin Islands, www.VisitUSVI.com