Confirmation in Thursday’s paper that a million cruise passengers are forecast over the next six months was widely welcomed, but some expressed concerns too. These include the prospect of thousands walking to and from Philipsburg along Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard as container trailer trucks, tour buses and other heavy vehicles drive up and down the road to the harbour at Pointe Blanche.
Tender service offers a recommended alternative and should be kept affordable, while having the ferries take customers to all three piers at Great Bay that serve as drop-off points when several ships are in port will help “spread the wealth” among downtown merchants. Important is that the beach and shopping areas be made secure and attractive for the “invasion” expected, not just by government but also through the efforts of businesses directly impacted.
There is a tendency for people to look mostly at how many calls the port receives from these vessels, but their size is equally relevant in terms of guest numbers, and that can also be said for their occupancy. During the recent Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Conference in the Dominican Republic, sailings at over 100% and strong bookings were reported, which is obviously good news.
The economic significance of cruise tourism has often been questioned because it regards daytrips. However, a huge potential advantage is stimulating future longer visits and much depends on first impressions. While updated official figures regarding this so-called “conversion rate” are not immediately available, the island has no doubt greatly benefited from such over the years.
In fact, the destination is well-known for its repeat business, partly thanks to the Dutch side’s dominant timeshare sector. At the same time, St. Maarten’s traditional clientele has been ageing so bringing in “fresh blood” remains a necessity.
Assurances that the still mandatory Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) will become a simplified online form to collect only tourism data – rather than medical information – per November 1 can hopefully ease worries about its negative effect on travel expressed by the hospitality industry.
Nevertheless, although the prospects look promising, initiatives to market and promote the product should continue unabated to remain competitive. A good example was Thursday evening’s “Wheel of Fortune” television gameshow episode on major US network ABC in which one contestant won a trip to “The Friendly Island” with stay at Oyster Bay Beach Resort.
The prize was valued at US $7,600. In terms of advertising, it is worth much more.
