The interview with Philipsburg Promotional Board (PPB) President Valentin Davis in our Friday/Saturday edition produced some interesting ideas on how to help revitalise the economy and particularly the downtown shopping area. One of these is to have crew members of cruise ships in port for provisioning, refuelling and crew changes with a negative PCR test disembark and spend some money on the island, so that not only the harbour, airport and a few others benefit from their presence.
When there are again passengers on the ships, they could be a given quick temperature check before coming onshore, as they will all probably be tested before starting the cruise. In addition, an outdoor food court is suggested at Captain Hodge Wharf to bring new life to Boardwalk Boulevard and attract stayover guests too.
These and a few other recommendations may be worth considering, because vacation spots best able to handle the “new normal” will probably have the greatest success as international travel recovers. Thinking along with the dominant hospitality sector on how to achieve such is important.
For air arrivals, in addition to extending the term to get a pre-departure test result from three to five days, one other factor to address that apparently holds back potential visitors is fear of getting COVID-19 while on the island without medical coverage. Aruba introduced a special insurance policy at a low daily or weekly rate included in airline tickets along with other charges. This is something St. Maarten could easily check into without having to reinvent the wheel.
As for yachting, the announced COVID-19 testing at one of the local marinas is certainly a step in the right direction. Remarks by industry veteran Robbie Ferron regarding the CARICOM sailing “bubble” should not go unnoticed, especially because it can reportedly also apply to associate member states.
In general, a proactive approach to tourism is called for perhaps more than ever and should not exclude marketing efforts. Make no mistake, St. Maarten will need to be creative and work hard to regain its position as premier destination in the Northeastern Caribbean, “pulling all the stops” where appropriate.
