The next preciously phenomenal woman we highlight for our Honouring, Empowering, Revolutionizing… HER campaign in commemoration of International Women’s Day is Melena Simon-Oneil, the CEO of Emarald Designs and Event Services. The oldest registered full-service wedding planning and special events firm, Melena creates customized experiences and unique event solutions for persons interested in getting married or hosting milestone celebrations in unspoilt Tobago. Melena’s company creates welcome parties, customized welcome bags with authentic Tobago products, maps etc., pre and post wedding tours and cultural experiences, convincing guests to return to Tobago for a future vacation.
Operating within the Romance Niche of the tourism industry, Melena’s company specializes in destination wedding planning, special event design for weddings and festivals, and event rentals. Melena consistently ensures that hosting an event—whether a wedding, party, concert, or celebration—is stress-free and seamless. Extremely passionate about showcasing Tobago’s culture, adventure, and natural beauty, Melena creates the ideal environment for guests to fully immerse themselves in the island’s charm while celebrating their special moments.
Let’s dive deeper into HER story:
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 ventured into destination wedding planning to fill an obvious gap in the market. Early on, Tobago was perceived as lacking top-tier event professionals, quality service providers, and essential event resources. Many believed that hosting luxury events here was impossible without outsourcing from Trinidad or internationally.
One of my greatest challenges was overcoming these misconceptions. In the early days, I had to import tents, furniture, linens, fresh florals, lighting, and other infrastructure from Trinidad. To navigate these obstacles, I built strong relationships with suppliers, expanded my inventory, and invested heavily in marketing Tobago as a premier wedding and events destination. Today, Tobago is recognized as a competitive location for destination weddings, and I take pride in having played a role in reshaping that narrative.”
Can you share a story where you felt empowered as a woman in tourism and how that experience shaped your career or perspective?
“One that stands out is the opportunity to be a guest speaker at various bridal shows and international wedding industry events, where I presented on the topic, “Getting Married in Tobago.” These platforms allowed me to showcase the island’s potential as a top-tier wedding destination and position Tobago as an attractive choice for couples worldwide.
Additionally, serving on the Board of the Tobago Bridal Association was a pivotal experience. During the pandemic, I was able to advocate for my colleagues in the wedding and events industry, lobbying for relief, support, and policy development. Through this role, I contributed to building industry standards and positioning statements that continue to shape Tobago’s special events sector today.
Empowered women empower women. I have invested heavily in growing other females in my niche by providing training and mentorship. Through my Training institute launched in 2017, we have trained over 100 women who were desirous of starting our expanding their wedding businesses.
I have also benefited tremendously from training programs hosted by the Tobago Tourism Agency Limited (TTAL) and the Division of Tourism. These opportunities have significantly contributed to my professional growth and the continued expansion of my business.”
How do you believe women in the tourism industry are helping to reshape the way we view travel, cultural exchange, and tourism development?
“Women in tourism are raising the bar and redefining industry standards. My generation of high-achieving women is committed to excellence, mentorship, and continuous professional development. We invest in training, build strategic networks, and travel extensively —bringing back best practices that we implement to elevate Tobago’s tourism industry.
From cultural preservation to hospitality management, women are leading the charge in creating meaningful travel experiences that highlight the authenticity of our destination. Our unique perspectives ensure that tourism development is not just about numbers but about delivering experiences that are rich, immersive, and impactful.”
In your opinion, what steps can be taken to create more inclusive spaces and opportunities for women in leadership roles within tourism and hospitality?
“Initiatives like this blog series play a crucial role in highlighting the contributions of women in the tourism industry. However, to foster greater inclusivity and leadership opportunities, we need more investment in professional training, exposure to international travel markets, and direct involvement in policy-making processes.
Support for industry associations like the Tobago Bridal Association and other small niche associations, is also essential, as well as grant funding, venture capital, and seed investment opportunities that allow women to scale their businesses. When women are given the resources to lead, they don’t just succeed—they transform industries.”
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?
“Tobago’s tourism industry has numerous untapped opportunities, but vision, perseverance, and capital are needed to bring them to life. Areas such as food and beverage, boutique accommodations, guided eco-adventure experiences, and wellness tourism are all ripe for innovation and expansion.
To encourage more women to explore these avenues, we need increased visitor arrivals, investment in service excellence, and mentorship from both local and international industry leaders. By creating support networks and funding opportunities, we can empower more women to step into entrepreneurial roles and contribute to the industry’s growth.”
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?
“If you have a vision, go for it! There is room for everyone in this industry. Instead of focusing on competition, find a gap in the market and solve a problem in a way that only you can.
Find a mentor and learn from that person as you develop both your business acumen and your technical skills.
Tourism is a people-focused industry, and success comes from delivering outstanding service, being innovative, and maintaining resilience. Raise the bar, don’t be afraid to do things differently, and trust the process—great things take time to grow.”
Melena, we applaud you for pressing past the challenges and for acting on your belief in Tobago’s potential for becoming a top-tier destination wedding location. Your advocacy for women in the field of wedding planning is exemplar, and many are grateful for your leadership, especially in the field of training and mentorship.