The island got some good news with the start of a second weekly Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale (see related story). That is most welcome especially after the recent rather sobering report from a meeting between the new Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Leo Lambriex and the St. Maarten Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHTA).
It seems the Dutch side’s current room inventory remains at 84% of the pre-Hurricane Irma 2016 total, while average occupancy last December was 2% below that of the same month in 2021. And although January apparently yielded better results, there is concern about the upcoming low season.
The overall hotel and timeshare occupancy rate for 2022 was 64.2%, up from 46.9% the previous year but still down compared to 77.5% before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 and 69.1% in 2016. Regarding arrivals, one must also consider the increasing use of short-term vacation rentals often via Airbnb and similar online providers.
Airlift obviously plays a major role in putting enough “head in beds” to fill resorts, bar/restaurants, etc. This regards both the availability of enough direct service – mainly from major cities in North America – and the cost of such.
Ticket prices understandably fluctuate according to demand and supply, fuel cost as well as other factors, but have at times become practically prohibitive of late. When that happens, it can hurt not only the destinations, but ultimately the airline itself if too many seats stay empty.
A bit more competition particularly from low-cost carriers like in this case is helpful in that sense. While Fort Lauderdale may not be New York, Atlanta or Miami, it has been growing in popularity as an international gateway.
Many Americans already travel through east coast airports to get here, so this is no different. Having additional options is always a plus.
