PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten has lost yet another outstanding pillar in the person of Robert Dubourcq, one of the first hotelier pioneers in the 1970s. Dubourcq was taken by death after a battle with cancer on Wednesday morning. He was residing in Den Bosch in the Netherlands.
Dubourcq has contributed to the development of the country’s tourism industry and brought it to its position amongst the premier destinations of the Caribbean. He had led both Little Bay and Great Bay resorts.
“For well over 40 years since the foundation of the then St. Maarten Hotel Association, Robert guided our organization in various capacities towards continuous growth and professionalism,” said SHTA on his passing.
Aside from his role as a founding member of SHTA, Dubourcq was a former chairman and executive director of the association.
Under his guidance, SHA developed into the multi-sectoral SHTA in the 1990s. He also devised SHTA’s “Dollar-A-Day” programme in 2000. That programme funds many community and educational projects of the association.
Retiring after more than four decades of board presidency and membership, he still went on to serve as SHTA executive director until July 1, 2013.
“Even though he left his beloved St. Maarten, he remained a welcome contributor and cheerleader to the whole industry and the broader SHTA team,” SHTA said.
For his unique contributions to St. Maarten’s hospitality and tourism development, Dubourcq was awarded the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s Hotelier of the Year Award in 2004, and the SHTA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.
Dubourcq’s involvement and volunteerism in St. Maarten society extended way beyond his efforts for SHA/SHTA. He was a Paul Harris Fellow Rotarian and many St. Maarteners will remember his selfless aid to individuals for the betterment of the island.
“Our Board and membership extend our deepest condolences to Robert’s family and share in their sorrow at his passing,” said SHTA.
