Groundbreaking for OCEAN Condo Hotel at the old Simpson Bay cement plant announced in the last Friday/Saturday edition is being welcomed in the travel industry. Although it’s been argued that St. Maarten already has enough rooms and needs to fill these first, something different can generate a certain interest in the market and help attract potential holidaymakers.
The project entails 54 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units, “complemented by a range of top-notch services,” according to a full-page advertisement. Exactly what the latter means is not yet clear, considering also how the term “hotel” has been used rather loosely in the recent past.
Regardless, any guests staying there are going to spend money on the island and contribute to its economy. Moreover, the 36-month construction phase will create jobs, just like the property’s operation once completed.
A local bank providing “vital funding” is encouraging too, because it shows confidence in the future. The tourism product still justifies such an investment due to the prospect of continued growth.
And let’s be honest, the destination has not seen that much “new and exciting” in terms of visitor accommodations lately compared to others in the region. Time marches on and competitors wait for nobody.
