Anastacio Baker
PHILIPSBURG–St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) Executive Director Anastacio Baker lauded the groups that organised activities and events in June, July and August that resulted in an increase in visitors and shoppers to Philipsburg and said the focus must now shift to planning and organising activities for the upcoming high season which should be “a very good one” for the country.
“The upcoming season is going to be a very good one post-Hurricane Irma. There will be a number of things that will be coming together to increase economic activity in the country,” Baker said in a press release on Sunday.
“To start with, hotel room accommodations will increase by more than 50 per cent. On the Dutch side of the island we currently have 34 per cent of hotel rooms available and the forecast for the end of the year is that we will see room availability climb to over 50 per cent, or more than 2,000 rooms.”
He said there will be an increase in airlift by various airlines to the destination in the coming months. Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) expects to see an increase in long-haul flight frequency from the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America for the peak winter season of 2018-2019.
“In November, part of the SXM Airport terminal building will be operational for stay-over and in-transit travellers, which will further enhance the travel experience. There are also exciting things happening at our port. Cruise-ship home-porting is scheduled to return in December and this will generate economic activity for wholesalers, taxi drivers, restaurants and bars, hotels etc.
“Port St. Maarten has stated that they expect a strong upcoming high season similar to pre-Hurricane Irma numbers in 2017 and this demonstrates a strong cruise recovery of the country’s cruise tourism sector,” Baker said.
“With all these positive signs and developments, we need all hands on deck to prepare and plan new memorable activities and events for the upcoming high season for residents and visitors, and I call on the business community and like-minded organisations to put on their thinking caps and prepare for the season.”
One successful summer activity was the Philipsburg Promotional Board’s “Philipsburg Alive” block parties that took place at Pastoriesteeg (alley) between Front and Back Streets which kicked off at the end of May and continued through the summer months. The alley came alive during the event with stalls displaying locally made crafts, live music and much more. The night-time event was enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Another successful activity was Koop Avond (shopping night) in Philipsburg in June, which was held every Thursday from 5:00 to 10:00pm for six weeks. Arts and crafts, parades, live music, a night of food and natural drinks, shopping, and entertainment filled the streets of Philipsburg during this event. This was organized by another group of entrepreneurs.
Oualichi Festival “SXM Best Weekend” took place July 26-29. This weekend was designed to promote and showcase St. Maarten’s culture, heritage and music while creating “a top-notch” quality experience to attract locals and tourists. There were many entertainment acts from around the Caribbean and it turned out to be another summer success, it was stated in the release.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/80458-coci-s-baker-calls-for-focus-on-activities-for-high-season
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