TORTOLA, BVI--St. Maarten has a leading role in the cruising world, but must keep a watchful eye on the developments of other destinations close to home, says United People’s (UP) party leader Member of Parliament Theo Heyliger.
The newest development close by is the Tortola Pier Park, inaugurated on Tuesday afternoon on the British Virgin Island of Tortola. Heyliger was among the dignitaries invited to the inauguration.
“Tortola has definitely come long way. This island was once only known for attracting avid sailors. Now, things are evolving and with large international cruise partners, Tortola is on the move and is ready to make its mark on the cruise industry,” said Heyliger.
St. Maarten as a mature cruise tourism destination must be more innovative to keep ships coming into Great Bay, he said.
“The opening up of a newer, somewhat uncharted cruise destination is a wakeup call for all of us in St. Maarten. Our destination needs to become more visible and it must offer more incentives for cruise lines to offer their passengers,” said Heyliger. “It is not only about going to the beach and duty-free shopping. We have our work cut out for us and we need to think fast and strategically.”
Heyliger, who was a long- time tourism commissioner for St. Maarten, said the time was well past for minimalist action. “St. Maarten needs great ideas and partnerships with the cruise industry must be renewed and strengthened,” he said.
Finding ways to refresh St. Maarten as a destination and attract cruisers who will be enticed to become stay-over visitors and even timeshare or vacation home owners is paramount. So is boosting the businesses that exist in St. Maarten, Heyliger said.
Businesses are attracted to places where they can thrive, grow and expand, and the Tortola Pier is just such a place for several established St. Maarten businesses, he said. “Some six St. Maarten businesses have a presence in the Pier. We in St. Maarten must ask ourselves what more needs to be done to get such businesses to expand at home to boost our economy and create more employment,” he said.
Heyliger’s presence and his pioneering efforts in St. Maarten, especially in the cruise sector, were acknowledged by BVI officials at the inauguration. Notably, BVI Minister for Communications and Works Mark Vanterpool said he was proud to learn from speaking with Heyliger that he was “impressed” with Tortola’s accomplishment.
Tortola expects about 700,000 cruise passengers this year. That number is projected to grow to a solid 1,000,000 in 24 months.
Heyliger said Tortola’s strong push into cruise tourism and the continued growth and development of neighbouring St. Kitts should not be taken lightly. “We need to make St. Maarten better by remaining on the cusp of innovation and finding more unique experiences to offer our visitors,” Heyliger said.
