With two cruise ships scheduled in port today, Wednesday, people should count their blessings. Other than one cancelled call last Thursday due to Lee, the Atlantic hurricane season up to now did not have a particularly disruptive impact on this part of the local economy.
The latter does not change the fact that it’s proving a relatively difficult low season so far, especially for the dominant hospitality industry in terms of room occupancy. Resorts and vacation rental properties are already eagerly awaiting traditionally busier periods including winter time in North America and Europe.
The reconstructed departure hall of Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) opening on November 1 is no doubt something to look forward to. What’s more, recent news of carriers adding flights and/or seat capacity gave rise to cautious optimism for the near future.
Truth be told, however, the destination could use a boost such as the addition of a renowned hotel brand like all-inclusive chain Sandals at Santa Barbara in Curaçao. Getting the former Westin Dawn Beach back online or construction of an intended Planet Hollywood in Great Bay finally starting would be a big help too.
But it can also be a major event capturing lots of attention abroad. Older residents may still remember when US President George Bush and French President François Mitterrand met here in December 1989.
Not only did the visit – from their arrival on respectively Air Force 1 and a Concorde Jet to the closing joint press conference – get lots of international media coverage, but pictures of the two world leaders walking together on Anse Marcel beach went all over the globe. The value this had in terms of name recognition and promotion cannot be overstated.
While again hosting such a high-level encounter on the island is unlikely, the eyes, ears and creative minds of tourism professionals as well as others involved in “everybody’s business” must always remain open to these kinds of unique opportunities that can put St. Maarten/St. Martin squarely back on the map.
