St. Maarten had some good news to report at the recent Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) two-day destination media briefing. Some 500,000 passenger movements are forecast this year, a growth of 20 to 30 per cent over 2021.
One million cruise visitors are also expected, compared to 232,519 last year. That’s a big increase and could be followed next year by record levels approaching the1.6 million mark of 2019. To be sure, 2021 saw a drop in cruise tourists of 47 per cent compared to previous years.
But indications are that, barring any more unpleasant surprises, “The Friendly Island” is again bouncing back well on its way to a strong recovery and air arrivals could reach stellar pre-Hurricane Irma 2016 levels by next year, at the end of which the reconstruction of Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) is also scheduled for completion.
Increased homeporting was mentioned as a positive development, also because 28 per cent of those onboard these ships stay in local hotels either before or after their trip at sea.
Of course, these are all prospects still to be fulfilled, which will require a maximum effort of all involved to provide each guest with the best possible vacation experience. Always remember that doing so is everybody’s business.
