Two positive developments could be noted in Wednesday’s paper regarding the hospitality industry that drives the local economy and those of neighbouring destinations. For starters, St. Maarten was back
at the biggest annual Dutch vacation expo in Utrecht after a two-year pause.
The absence combined with the lack of permanent marketing representation in the Netherlands had been felt by St. Eustatius and Saba, which obviously get most of their air arrivals via Princess Juliana International Airport SXM. But it also was seen as a big loss for “The Friendly Island” regarding efforts to get more out of the European market.
Especially taking into account the recent introduction of two weekly TUI flights from Amsterdam, in addition to three by KLM plus the daily Paris service of Air France, again staying away from the event would have been highly unadvisable and thankfully this was realised by those concerned. Judging from reactions up to now, the renewed participation with two large booths, one of them for the Windward Islands combined, has been well-received.
In addition to the port, the Dutch side’s biggest hotels were also on hand, so that stay-over as well as cruise tourism could be promoted and the raffling of an all-expenses-paid trip for two was obviously a big attraction. Everyone involved should be commended for what appears to have been a successful move, even though it may take some time before the benefits are felt.
The same is probably true for the decision to send a culinary team again after several years to the annual Taste of the Caribbean Competition hosted by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA). A local contest still must be held to select those who are to represent the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) in Miami June 12-14, but there is no reason to believe the chefs and bartenders ultimately chosen won’t do their country proud as they have done in the past.
These kinds of things may seem rather insignificant to some, but in the sharply competitive environment that characterises the regional travel business, every little bit helps to get and stay in the picture.
