While obviously welcome, the announced expansion of routes and increased frequencies (see Tuesday newspaper) also implies a great responsibility for Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA). Getting more flights is one thing, ensuring they become successful quite another.
After subsequent recoveries from first the hurricanes of September 2017 and then the COVID-19 pandemic, this can be considered a make-it-or-break-it winter season. On Monday, October 7, contractor Ballast Nedam will officially hand over the key to the reconstructed terminal.
The automated border control system is scheduled to be relaunched one day later, followed by a transition to the new arrival hall and baggage reclaim area on October 15. From that date forward, the Temporary Arrival Facility (TAF) tent will no longer be in use.
A week later, the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a conference hosted by St. Maarten. This event should attract between 800 and 900 industry professionals.
The coming weeks are thus likely to prove crucial for the island’s main gateway and dominant hospitality sector. In fact, they may be seen as a kind of test for the entire destination and its economy, as tourism is everybody’s business.
In that sense, the moment of truth has arrived.
