Nassau, the Bahamas, reported (see Tuesday newspaper) a record nearly 30,000 cruise passengers in one single day, begging the question “how much is too much?” among residents on the island of New Providence. In St. Maarten/St. Martin too, days of up to half a dozen or more ships totalling tens of thousands of day-trippers are not unusual.
That creates busy roads, attractions and beaches, but also makes the destination a lot of money. The latter is often placed in doubt because of the short stay and having already paid for onboard meals, but these guests still spend considerable amounts while on land.
Moreover, some return as stay-over visitors. Although no updated reliable figures on this so-called conversion rate are available, the indication is that it regards a significant group.
But with growth comes responsibility in terms of infrastructure, public facilities, etc. In addition to the promised new marketplace for vendors and other improvements needed in the shopping area of Philipsburg, the way many of these passengers get there should be a priority.
They walk along Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard with huge container trailer trucks and other heavy vehicles driving back and forth on that road to the cargo port. This is a terrible and highly regrettable accident waiting to happen that could have very negative implications for the local tourism economy, apart from the personal tragedy.
The solution lies in long-existing plans for a secure walkway from the cruise terminal along the shoreline directly into town. Safety is paramount, so it’s high time to put words into action.
