The launch of a “Spring to St. Maarten” social media campaign (see related story) is a timely initiative. With local COVID-19 figures relatively low for some time certainly compared to many other Caribbean vacation hotspots and with free vaccination now extended to all adults, this is the moment to try to cash in on what the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau (STB) called “a high pent-up desire to travel” in the island’s main source market North America.
Judging by the small number of coronavirus-infected guests reported since the pandemic started, pre-arrival testing requirements appear to be working, although one needs to remain careful with the new and even more contagious variants, as recent experience in Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao has shown. At the same time, both the US and Canada are well underway with their own vaccination processes.
While the traditional high winter season “that never was” is ending, the real possibility exists for a – delayed reaction – surge in holiday trips especially among the destination’s many loyal repeat visitors who may simply miss their “second home” too much. Having 13 visitor accommodations offer special deals over the next eight weeks might be just the right encouragement they need.
