When things get tough look beyond the usual, counsels a seasoned Saint Lucian businesswoman and hotelier.

“We need to think creatively to increase our share of world tourism,” declared Eroline Lamontagne, owner and operator of the award-winning Fond Doux Holiday Plantation in
Soufrière, Saint Lucia.

Endorsing assertions by Saint Lucia Director of Tourism Louis Lewis who stated “it will not be business as usual in 2012”, Mrs. Lamontagne said a key sector that requires constant focus and attention is the destination weddings and honeymoon market which has become Saint Lucia’s bread and butter niche.

“We cannot rest on our laurels,” she asserted, “and we must redouble our efforts to position our country and our region as the ‘go to’ destination for weddings, honeymoons, renewal of vows as well as exclusive romantic excursions.”

Few markets provide a hotel or destination with a constant flow of new opportunities like the bridal market, contended Caribbean weddings expert Jacqueline Johnson, president and CEO of MarryCaribbean.com.

“It is a year-round business … and with the steady increase of destination weddings and the close proximity of the Caribbean, destinations with a strategic (approach) will benefit from this ‘perfect customer’,” Mrs. Johnson said.

MarryCaribbean.com reports the perfect customer heavily outspends the average leisure traveler and suggests a strategic approach to marketing, including the use of social media.

According to the 2012 US Wedding Market Insight Report, June and September are the most in demand months for weddings; more couples will attend wedding/bridal show/events; bright, bold and vibrant tones are still in; couples want fun, romantic, and simple events with a touch of formal and tradition; and rustic and vintage continue with high demand.

“Our team of wedding planners and coordinators here at Fond Doux offer just that – vintage wedding experiences with all the modern conveniences,” Mrs. Lamontagne said.

She averred in an effort to capture a greater share of the weddings market, Fond Doux had prepared a number of comprehensive packages – available online, across the social media community and via travel agents and tour operators.