PHILIPSBURG--Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson described his recent trip to Brazil as one of the most successful trips he has ever been on in terms of positive results for the island. As reported last week, GOL Airlines out of Brazil will begin a year-round weekly flight to St. Maarten starting March 27, 2010. The agreement means that St. Maarten will have two flights out of Brazil in the high season and one in the off season.
"I am most pleased that four major Brazilian wholesalers (travel agent firms and tourism-related companies) are now also on board to strengthen promotions and take seats on the rotations to St. Maarten," the Commissioner said.
"The Sonesta Maho Group is additionally committed to this latest endeavour to secure flights from the South American market to St. Maarten. Sonesta Maho has committed to the market by offering competitive introductory rates to ensure its success," he added.
St. Maarten will be responsible for the marketing aspect of the new flight while the wholesalers have each guaranteed 50 seats on the 176-person Boeing 737 aircraft. He explained that the possible usage of a 767 is still on the table and will be considered once booking numbers justify the switch.
He went on to call on the rest of the private sector to get on board. "We have to recognize the importance of the South American market: South Americans like to dine and shop; they love local cultural activities and night life in general; they are fascinated with the French flair, which benefits St. Martin and St. Barths. Given the above, I will be meeting with my counterparts on the French side as well as St. Barths and Anguilla," he said.
While in Brazil, the Commissioner also met with American Airlines - São Paulo, Brazil. The airline is offering a promotional round trip fare of US $584 plus tax in the low season and US $794 dollars plus tax in the high season.
He also met with well-known Brazilian journalist Amaury Junior who is also a presenter on TV Brazil, known for its night program of interviews with celebrities and coverage of festivals and events. His show is broadcast on REDE TV Network all over Brazil; he draws comparisons to Oprah Winfrey and is the most important celebrity talk show in the country.
"The plan is to bring the TV show to the island during six days in March or April and film all the attractions, nightlife, etc. His show has a weekly audience of 16 million viewers and approximately 30 million viewers on Saturdays. The intention is to present St. Maarten as the new destination in the Caribbean and raise awareness of St. Maarten among wholesalers, tour operators, incentive & group planners," Richardson said.
