Deputy Prime Minister Emil Lee and TEATT Secretary-General Miguel de Weever with Hilton Hotels Group representatives at CHRIS conference.
POND ISLAND--Minister Emil Lee, in his capacity as deputy prime minister, recently attended the Caribbean Hotel and Resorts Investment Summit (CHRIS) in Miami, Florida, along with Tourism and Economic Affairs TEATT Ministry Secretary-General Miguel de Weever.
Lee participated in a panel discussion on the topic of “Building a better tomorrow after a natural disaster – A government's perspective,” together with panellists from the US Virgin islands, British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Anguilla and Haiti.
CHRIS was a “prime networking opportunity” for St. Maarten at which “fruitful discussions” were had about the destination and the reconstruction of the country’s economy.
The conference showed how other countries in the Caribbean are looking to see what they can do to stimulate and incentivise the tourism industry, said Lee. “Everyone from private sector at the conference really emphasised that government’s participation, as a facilitator in the reconstruction process is critical.”
Destinations with good airlift are of primary interest from an investment perspective, he added. “This is where it is sad to see that our current airport rebuilding process may be even more delayed based on the recent announcement of court proceedings between the airport and NAGICO.”
Anguilla also stressed that it is very dependent on St. Maarten for airlift. “We have a responsibility to our neighbours and ourselves to make sure that the airport is fully operational as soon as possible,” Lee said.
More than 300 conference delegates representing 28 countries were in attendance. Lee met representatives of the Hilton hotel group, who are currently flagging a property on St. Maarten. Representatives of the Apple Leisure Group, an upcoming powerhouse in the tourism industry, also expressed interest in a management contract in the country.
The networking opportunities continued with several construction companies that are interested in bidding applications for current construction projects on the island. These companies and contractors expressed interest in the local labour market, work permit procedures and housing availability.
Suppliers of building materials were also in attendance and networking, expressing interest in distribution and demonstration opportunities in St. Maarten.
Representatives of Sunwing, owner of the former Great Bay Beach Resort, were also present at the conference, as well as representatives of the World Bank.
