For this week’s Hot Seat, Out N About sat down with Princess Casinos International Managing Director Güven Eraslan.
1: Tell us. How did you end up here in St. Maarten?
I actually came to St. Maarten on my honeymoon back in 1994. At the time, we were looking to expand our operations outside of Europe. We immediately fell in love with the island and its people. The rest is really history – in the past 30 and some years, we have made substantial investments showing our commitment and belief in the future of St. Maarten. Our flagship property, the Port de Plaisance resort, has already become a landmark of the island and we are currently looking to expand its hotel operations by adding another 159 rooms.
2: Does Princess Casinos International employ a lot of locals for their staff teams?
Yes, we are probably the biggest employer on the island. Currently, we have more than 500 employees. Worldwide that number is more than 15,000 employees located in 17 countries spread over four continents; but St. Maarten has a very special place in our hearts. We made it our hub for our Americas and Latin operations, and it has become the home for us and for our principal shareholders.
3: What makes St. Maarten magical to you?
I guess its charm derives from its unique history. Not only will you find two different cultures living in harmony here, but moreover the creation of a new culture, a unique blend if you will. We get amazed by it every single day and love every bit of it.
4: What sets the newly opened Sunset Princess Casino apart?
This is a truly amazing casino located in the heart of Simpson Bay. It has the best selection of brand-new slot machines and many table game advantages, with the focus on maximum returns to our guests. It is furthermore the first casino on the island that has its own restaurant. We offer à la carte dining experience along with free-of-charge breakfast and lunch buffet for our valued guests. Daily raffles, major Jackpots and live entertainment are also among its wide choice of offerings.
5: Share with us some business advice: Do you see growth in our local economy?
I think the leadership of St. Maarten has done a great job in the past and is continuing to do so. It consists of committed people who are working relentlessly for the good of the island. In the past 30 years, we have witnessed a solid economy with a healthy growth in the tourism sector.
6: Do you have a favourite restaurant or meal on the island that you’d like to recommend?
There is no shortage of great food on the island. It truly is a culinary paradise. I read somewhere that there are more than 250 fine dining restaurants on St. Maarten, so I am still working my way through them. For the time being, I would probably single out Bamboo House in Cole Bay.
7: Do you have a favourite beach on Sint Marten or on another of our neighbouring islands?
When we have the time, we like to go to Mullet Bay, Philipsburg or Orient Beach, but any of Sint Marten’s 37 beaches are worth a visit. Anguilla has some epic beaches too.
8: What inspirational quote or song lyric would you like to leave us with?
“It always seems impossible, until it’s done.” ––Nelson Mandela
