The appointment of a new Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) can be considered good news. Especially taking into account that the hospitality industry provides the livelihood of practically the entire population, having a cabinet member dedicated full time to this portfolio is very important.
Minister Mellisa Arrindell-Doncher struck a positive note in her first statement by saying that St. Maarten’s tourism product is not collapsing as some may have it. She plans to counter “negative narratives” through hard work and with facts.
Such an approach is in principle admirable and certainly better than a defeatist attitude. However, there are some pending issues that seemingly need to be tackled in an urgent manner.
For starters, the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) recently complained that Government is significantly reducing its contribution to the TripAdvisor/Expedia online campaign to which the two per cent growth in hotel occupancy last year was attributed. The employers’ organisation also said the new North American marketing representative Spring O’Brien had not yet been officially contracted.
It thus appears the Arrindell-Doncher has her work cut out for her and will be expected to hit the ground running. The optimistic mood she exalted when speaking about recognising the challenges but having confidence they can be resolved together should serve her well in doing so.
The incoming Minister obviously deserves to be welcomed and given the customary benefit of the doubt. As always though, the proof of the pudding will be in the eating.
