Overview of the SMART trade show floor at JW Marriott Beach Resort & Spa (Robert Luckock photo)
DAWN BEACH—Saint Martin/Sint Maarten Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART) is currently in full swing at the JW Marriott Beach Resort & Spa, with delegates conducting a full day of business on day two , Wednesday.
Immediately noticeable, compared to last year, is how big the tradeshow has become, with organising partners adding 40% more convention space, thanks to the availability of Marriott Hotel’s vast ballroom serving as the main networking floor for buyers and suppliers. New this year has been the setup of booths, along “streets”, A, B, E, F, H, I, and J streets.
The numbers speak for themselves. The Buyer section has grown from 51 to 57 companies in 2026 compared to 2025 while the Supplier section went from 44 in 2025 to 62 companies. Vendors went up from 20 to 30. Some 27 countries are participating this year.
Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger-Marten posing with Romain Layour of St. Martin Wines/Vin de Plage (Robert Luckock photo)
“It is wonderful to see so many tourism professionals, business leaders, buyers and suppliers and partners,” said Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten. “Year after year, SMART continues to demonstrate the importance of bringing our region together to build connections, create opportunities and strengthen Caribbean tourism.
“Events like SMART remind us that although tourism is measured in arrivals, occupancy rates, and economic impact, its true foundation is people and partnerships. The conversations we have, the relationships we build and the opportunities we create are what moves our industries forward.”
Natasha Richardson who was representing Pasture Piece, a Bed & Breakfast, Museum and Event Space, in Dutch Cul-de-Sac, a designated monument built in 1900s. She opted to have a booth at SMART for the first time.
“This heritage property used to be my grand-parent’s home until I turned it into a B & B. Its traditional and authentic. Part of it dates back to the 1800s. We can do events on site, like tea parties, markets, happy hours and so forth,” said Richardson.
Salty Seafood was back at SMART for their second year, since setting up 18 months ago. A seafood wholesaler, the company supplies restaurants, hotels and supermarkets.
“Next month we are moving to a bigger location in Cole Bay,” said Sales Director Kris Bouwstra. “We also have a mini store setup where home chefs can stop by and buy our products. We are still in the start-up phase but it’s going very well.”
Getaways by Southwest Marketing Development Manager Brittany Champ (left) and Getaways Operation Manager Aiesha Reynolds (right). (Robert Luckock photo)
“Getaways by Southwest Airlines from Dallas was a first time buyer at SMART 2026. “Getaways is the vacation package product within Southwest,” explained Market Development Manager Brittany Champ. “If you’re booking a flight to St. Maarten you’ll get a little pop-up saying do you want to book a hotel or an airport transfer. You can bundle your whole vacation package with us.”
“This is our first time at SMART. We were told this is the place to be. We’ve had a crash course learning about St. Maarten and the surrounding islands.” Aiesha Reynolds is the Operations Manager for the virtual call centres.
For Pascal Bataillé, Founder and CEO of the Adonis Hotel and Residences in Cupecoy built in January 2020, it was his first participation at SMART.
“We really appreciate what St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) is doing so it’s logical that we should participate,” said Bataillé. “With Princess Juliana Airport now renovated and well over a million airport arrivals last year the tourism outlook is looking good. This morning we signed an agreement with an American company to promote the island which we will be contributing to.”
Aurelia Pemberton (left) and Thomas Alva Pemberton from TDE Tours Connection Inc. New York. (Robert Luckock photo)
TDE Tours Connection Inc. from New York returned to SMART for the second time. “There’s a lot of new suppliers we didn’t see last year and more people from different countries,” said President and CEO Thomas Alva Pemberton. “We select who we want to see before we get here. Everyone that we want to see has shown up. We usually have an average of 28 contacts/appointments but you also meet people at the evening events and on the tours.”
Susan Eldridge is a Luxury Travel Agent from Washington DC. The name of her agency is 4710. The unusual name refers to the street where she lives.
“ I’ve met a lot of great people, a lot of contacts,” Eldridge enthused. “My business model is built around establishing relationships. I’m a relationship seller. I’ve made friends with other buyers too. The connections made at dinner and on the tours have been very nice. I had 25 pre-booked appointments.”
Over in the “Green Room” focusing on culture and nature preservation, Cee Marlin, founder of marlinyard.org was promoting Food Farm Gardens (FFG).
“We are reviving a plantation in the Keys, Sucker Garden, where we are already rolling out a community garden,” explained Marlin. “People can rent an allotment and grow their own produce. If they don’t have green fingers they can join Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) where farmers will do the planting for you. You pay your subscription and you get your box of produce.”
Heritage Village performers in traditional costume entertained SMART delegates. (Robert Luckock photo)
