It took quite long to materialise, but an instruction has finally been given to establish the St. Maarten Tourism Authority (STA) as an autonomous so-called “Zelfstandig Bestuurs Orgaan” (ZBO) on March 1 (see Thursday newspaper). This gives the private sector more influence on related policy and funding for, among other things, marketing and promotion.
Not that the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) necessarily did anything wrong, but directly involving the hospitality sector has been the trend worldwide. Alongside government officials, industry professionals offer an extra edge based on practical experience.
Those who might now argue such activities are no longer needed because, in the same edition, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisa Heyliger-Marten said in her opinion the destination has “met its cap” in terms of new hotels, should think again. First of all, whatever decision on moratoriums for such will depend on a yet-to-be-conducted carrying-capacity study.
Perhaps more importantly, she mentioned two developments already in process that can’t be stopped, namely Setai and renewed Planet Hollywood interest. These projects would add, about 400 and 400–600 rooms respectively, with the minister adding that Mullet Bay will also be coming into play soon.
No matter how you look at it, those units must still be filled. Moreover, in Monday’s paper, Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) reported 1.8 million passenger movements last year, compared to 1.6 million in 2024 and is eyeing further expansion going forward.
The new STA has its work cut out for it. Better late than never.
