POND ISLAND--The “One Island Cooperation” of the Dutch and French sides of the Island has gone further international with a joint delegation at the 45th Caribbean Week, from June 2 to June 8, in New York City.
The delegation leaders – St. Maarten Tourism and Economic Affairs Minister Cornelius de Weever and St. Martin Vice President of Tourism Valerie Damaseau will hold a joint press conference on June 7 following the Media Marketplace. They will provide a destination recovery update and highlight cooperative initiatives to develop the local tourism product via the “One Island Cooperation” Memorandum of Understanding signed on February 23.
De Weever said Caribbean Week is an opportunity for the island as one destination to promote itself. “It is a platform for us to provide the latest information about the destination post-Irma.” That information includes – opening of resorts, increase of airlift and other developments that will equip travel agents and tour operators to better promote the Island as a premier vacation spot.
Damaseau said in a joint press statement issued Sunday: “It is essential that we promote both sides of the island as one, highlighting the uniqueness of the destination, one stop with several experiences. This model was long coming, and we are proud to announce to the world, a united front while moving forward and making St. Martin/St. Maarten great again.”
The week of activities, organized by Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) brings together Caribbean tourism officials with travel trade industry executives, consumers and students.
A video showcasing the destination with highlights of rediscovery by visitors, excursions, accommodations, transportation, beaches, dining and nightlife will be featured during Caribbean Week.
The week-long event provides publicity, networking and engagement with various stakeholders to encourage them to rediscover the destination.
Meetings will be held with CTO directors, regional ministers and commissioners to discuss tourism and travel trade-related matters.
Also, in the joint delegation are St. Maarten Tourist Bureau Director May-Ling Chun, Office de Tourisme de St. Martin Interim Director Aida Weinum and other officials from both sides of the island.
