The third story in our Honouring, Empowering, Revolutionizing…HER campaign shares the immense dedication and talent of Tobago’s very own Asha Mars, Owner of Asha Mars Weddings & Events.
A professional destination wedding planner and designer, Asha creates seamless, elevated wedding experiences for couples starting their lifelong journey together in Tobago and other Caribbean destinations. Asha’s personal brand is founded on her commitment to excellence and assures that weddings go beyond the ordinary, with immersive, unforgettable experiences that blend both luxury and culture with Tobago’s immaculate beauty.
What motivated you to pursue a career in tourism, and how have you navigated the challenges or opportunities unique to women in the industry?
“I started by serving the local wedding market, but everything changed when we produced our first destination wedding. That experience opened my eyes to how much of an ecosystem destination weddings create—from accommodations and transportation to dining, excursions and cultural experiences. Seeing the direct economic impact on Tobago’s tourism industry inspired me to niche my brand and focus exclusively on destination wedding planning and design. As a woman in this space, I’ve embraced the challenges by positioning myself as a leader and innovator, setting the standard for wedding tourism in Tobago. I navigate challenges by maintaining an unwavering commitment to excellence, collaboration and continuous learning.”
Can you share a story where you felt empowered as a woman in tourism and how that experience shaped your career or perspective?
“One defining moment was launching the Wedding Business Summit, which brought together top wedding professionals across the Caribbean to learn, connect and elevate their businesses. Seeing the impact of that event reinforced that women in tourism don’t just participate—we shape industries, create opportunities and redefine excellence. That experience gave me even greater clarity on the role I play in pushing Tobago’s wedding tourism industry forward.”
How do you believe women in the tourism industry are helping to reshape the way we view travel, cultural exchange, and tourism development?
“Women are storytellers, curators of culture and architects of unforgettable experiences. We bring a level of care, detail and intentionality that enhances travel and tourism. Through destination weddings, I see how women create experiences that not only attract visitors but also leave a lasting impact—whether through sustainable tourism, cultural preservation or high-end experiences that showcase the Caribbean’s beauty in a fresh, modern way.”
In your opinion, what steps can be taken to create more inclusive spaces and opportunities for women in leadership roles within tourism and hospitality?
“In Tobago, it’s not just about creating more programmes—we honestly need a whole shift in mindset. Yes, access to funding, mentorship and proper training for women is important, but the bigger issue is how leadership is still seen through this really limited lens. That’s what’s holding us back.
The thing is, the role models are already here. The leaders are in plain sight—we just don’t always recognize them as such. Women in Tobago are already leading in so many ways. We’re running businesses, holding down households, volunteering in our communities, managing church groups, side hustles—you name it. And somehow, we still show up every day at work and give it our all.
That kind of juggling takes real skill. It means we naturally think in a more rounded, people-focused way—which is exactly what the tourism industry needs. If we want to build something sustainable and meaningful, then it’s time to start listening to those voices and giving them real seats at the table.”
In your opinion, what are some of the untapped opportunities for women in tourism, and how can we encourage more women to explore these avenues?
“Women have immense potential in destination event planning, luxury travel, high-end hospitality experiences and tourism entrepreneurship. The Caribbean is an untapped luxury market and women can be at the forefront of creating curated, high-value tourism experiences. Encouraging more women starts with education, exposure and funding—helping them see tourism beyond traditional roles and empowering them to build businesses that shape the industry.”
What advice would you give to young women and girls aspiring to enter the tourism industry, and how can they use their unique perspectives to drive positive change?
“Own your space. Tourism is more than an industry—it’s an opportunity to create experiences that change lives. Find what excites you, master your craft and position yourself as the go-to expert in your field. Your perspective as a woman is valuable—use it to create experiences that are intentional, meaningful and transformative. Most importantly, dream big!”
Thank you, Asha, for your enduring dedication to wedding planning and designing, inviting professionals to connect with each other and to join the conversation on elevating one’s business and supporting each other. You have left us all with an inspiring and empowering message, encouraging women within the industry to find and master their own unique approaches. We commend you for dreaming big, and for investing time and energy to refine your strategy as a Destination Wedding Planner and Designer. We truly appreciate your insight and the efforts you have made in harnessing Tobago’s beauty, creating long-lasting destination wedding experiences that far surpass the ordinary.