What strategies is Sint Maarten implementing to recover and expand its tourism sector in a competitive Caribbean market?
Before I dive into the strategies, let me give a brief introduction to Sint Maarten. Sint Maarten is much more than what people might have read or heard about—it’s an unforgettable experience. Many visitors return again and again. Did you know U.S. President-elect Donald Trump owned property here? So did Harry Belafonte and Romare Bearden, who even lived and painted here for months in a year. What drew them? Not just the beaches or the tropical sun. They chose Sint Maarten because of its unique charm, its friendly, hardworking people, and its undeniable beauty.Our tourism budget is only $2 million annually, yet we’ve achieved impressive numbers. Imagine what we could do with more resources! Some of the strategies we’re focusing on include:
A. Infrastructure Development:
We recently reopened our airport after seven years of work. Though it’s small, it’s beautiful and functional. Next steps include expansion and capacity-building to accommodate future growth.
B. Pre-Clearance for U.S. Visitors:
We’re considering implementing U.S. pre-clearance to streamline travel for our primary market—American and Canadian visitors. However, this requires careful planning to ensure we can handle the anticipated increased tourist volumes.
C. Balanced Growth:
Sint Maarten is conducting research to determine our carrying capacity. We want to grow responsibly, avoiding the pitfalls of over-tourism while maintaining our position as a Caribbean hub.
Beyond beaches and resorts, what initiatives are in place to diversify the tourism offering, such as cultural, gastronomic, or adventure tourism?
Diversification is a key focus. Here’s what we’re doing:
What specific challenges does Sint Maarten face in promoting itself to American travelers?
The primary challenge is our limited marketing budget, which has been just $2 million for the past 14 years. Despite this, we’ve achieved remarkable numbers due to our island’s charm and unique character. To address this, we’re launching a Tourism Authority next year, which will earmark room taxes for marketing, effectively increasing our budget and boosting visibility in the U.S. market.
How does your ministry plan to attract foreign investments while safeguarding the interests of the local economy?
We’re working on several initiatives:
By striking a balance between growth and preservation, we’re committed to fostering sustainable development in Sint Maarten.
Are there plans to improve connectivity with other Caribbean islands and major global markets, both by air and sea?
We are actively working on this. Connectivity is key for Sint Maarten. I’ll be negotiating these agreements because, let’s face it, our airline tickets are very expensive. I can’t disclose the names of the airlines yet, but rest assured, we’re engaging in discussions to expand partnerships with both airlines and cruise lines.Cruise lines are a complex issue. I love cruises—I go on them myself—but many cruise companies are not contributing as much as they could to the local economy. Passengers often stay on board because everything they need is there, and when they disembark, they don’t spend much because they already have a hefty bill waiting for them on the ship.We’re focusing on attracting high-end cruise lines like Disney and other luxury operators whose passengers have more disposable income. At the same time, we’re reimagining Phillipsburg, our capital, to make it more engaging. We want it to be an entertainment hub, not just a shopping area, because tourists today are looking for experiences. This transformation is a big part of our vision.
What about sustainability and keeping the environment clean?
We’re taking this very seriously, too. My ministry, along with the Ministry of Public Works & Infrastructure (VROMI), is rolling out a comprehensive cleanup campaign. This includes stricter penalties for littering, a revamped garbage collection system, and introducing recycling initiatives.We’re also planning a new waste management facility with funding from the Netherlands. This project should be completed within the next two to three years, alongside updated regulations for waste management. We aim for a paradigm shift to ensure sustainability across the island, from our beaches to our streets and everywhere in between.
Where do you see Sint Maarten in 5-10 years in terms of its economic and tourism standing, and what key milestones will mark this progress?
I want Sint Maarten to remain the gem of the Caribbean, but we need to build a deeper understanding of tourism’s importance among our people. Education will play a big role here.In ten years, I envision a unified population that appreciates and nurtures tourism while also exploring complementary economic pillars like agriculture. Our goal is to maintain our unique identity, continually innovate, and remain a destination where visitors always find something new to love.
What is your final message to Newsweek readers considering Sint Maarten a potential investment and/or tourism destination?
Sint Maarten is a land of opportunity. Many who come here end up staying and succeeding beyond their dreams. It’s not just a destination; it’s an experience. Whether it’s the food, nightlife, or breathtaking activities, you’ll always find something special here. Put Sint Maarten on your bucket list—you won’t regret it.
