The Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB) southeast office exhibited at the "Your Wedding Experience" Bridal Show, by David Tuterra in Fort. Lauderdale last week.

Over 1100 brides registered and attended the popular bridal show, with Saint Lucia hosting one of the busies booths.

"I have showcased at many bridal shows for over 12 years, and this is the best quality brides that I have seen said Andrea Williams of Exquisite Vacations, one of the SLTB's PASS agents in Florida, who assisted with the showcase. "The couples showed interest about the destination, asked lots of questions about the destination and we showcased package pricing as well."

All couples received a copy of Saint Lucia Honeymoon Specials.

Meanwhile in New York, the SLTB sponsored annual fundraiser of the 41-74 Travel Club of leading New York based travel professionals. The benefit was held at the NY Hudson River on May 19. This is the first time that SLTB has participated as a sponsor.

Promoting at a different venue under a different ambiance, the SLTB sought to woo travel partners to the Caribbean island highlighting attributes for those who favored luxury and romance. Over 120 sponsors and agents were in attendance originating from the greater NY area. The program began with a mini trade-show followed by individual one on one networking sessions between agents and suppliers ending with a dinner and prize giveaway.

In Pennsylvania, Saint Lucia and British Virgin Islands were the only two Caribbean islands represented at the Enquirer Show, which was held at the Oats area of Pennsylvania. The show attracted at least 1500 attendees. There was a wine and beer tasting session, culinary demonstrations and food tasting. Many of the attendees had visited Saint Lucia on a one-day cruise and expressed their intention to revisit the island by taking advantage of the non-stop flights out of Newark NJ and Philadelphia, PA.

In Iowa, the SLTB Midwest participated at the Midwest Travel Suppliers roundtable series. the series was held from May 17 - 19 in Des Moines, IA; and Overland Park and St. Louis, MO to promote summer travel to the island.

Twenty Caribbean and international suppliers presented to the 265 travel agents attending the three shows. Agents informed that the improved air service to Saint Lucia has made the destination more attractive to clients. At least a third confirmed that they had booked or provided a quote for one of the properties on the island within the last year.

All agents were provided information on the "Summer Rocks" promotion, destination and hotel updates.

In addition to Delta, American Airlines now has same day connections from these cities to Saint Lucia. The United winter service will also connect from these Midwest states.