Governor: Rockland Estate an investment in heritage tourism

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CUL DE SAC–Rainforest Adventures’ Rockland Estate placed within the context of St. Maarten’s need for sustainable economic development must “not just be viewed as the building of a new tourism attraction, but broader as an investment to develop heritage tourism,” says Governor Eugene Holiday.

The Governor’s statement at the top of Sentry Hill, the highest point on the Dutch side of the island, came as the island’s newest attraction held its grand opening on Wednesday afternoon.

“Today, thanks to the collaboration of Rainforest Adventures, Government, and the initiative of Mr. Theo Heyliger, we stand at the beginning of a promising investment in heritage tourism on our island. We stand at a moment of opportunity and responsibility. It is for this reason and for the economic opportunities in terms of business activities and employment that I hope that this project will grow into a model for heritage tourism,” Holiday said.
The opening of the eco-park, he added, is “an evolution that interconnects St. Maarten’s former plantation economy with St. Maarten’s current tourism economy. An evolution which, because of this unique site, has the potential to interconnect our culture, our environment, our heritage and our tourism.

“Having personally roamed amidst the area’s natural beauty, looking at the amazing and enduring slave walls, having visited the old plantation house and old sugarcane boiler house, and having met Mr. Emilio Wilson, I stand here this afternoon inspired by the historical and cultural value of this national treasure.”
The Governor welcomed and encouraged Rainforest Adventures’ plans “to limit any impact on both the flora and fauna of the national monument.” He applauded its plans to administer reforestation, agricultural, historical, educational and maintenance programmes for the area.

“It is Government’s, Rainforest Adventures’ and the people’s collective responsibility to always protect the heritage in this project and in our tourism; that, in the interest of St. Maarten’s sustainable economic development.”
Prime Minister Leona Romeo-Marlin said in her speech that the full opening of the park is “yet another milestone” in the country’s recovery from Hurricane Irma.
Government, she added, welcomes more eco-friendly projects to boost the destination’s competitiveness and allure to visitors.
She commended Rainforest Adventures for employing residents and training them well in customer service. She urged those with employed “to do your best. You will be rewarded and so will St. Maarten.”

Rainforest Adventures President Josef Preschel said of Rockland: “This is a wow place” that will “create new excitement for the destination.”
Every vacation has an outstanding memory or “ahh moment.” Preschel said, Rockland “will be the ahh moment for a St. Maarten vacation.”

The gates to Rockland opened to visitors in November 2017 with limited attractions. This was after recovery from Irma. Recovering fast was crucial, Preschel said, because there was confidence in cruise lines returning to St. Maarten, a preferred destination.
The grand opening is the culmination of eight years of work on a project supported by Carnival Cruise Lines. In spite of that, “this adventure is only now starting,” he said, pointing to the company’s 10-year vision for the park that will see more emphasis on highlighting heritage and fun.

The eco-park is home to “The Flying Dutchman” – the steepest zipline in the world – and other attractions taking advantage of the views around Sentry Hill. All the attractions are now open: Soualiga Sky Explorer, Emilio Wilson Museum, Flying Dutchman, Sentry Hill Zip Line and the Schooner Ride.

All guests for the grand opening were taken to the top of Sentry Hill for the official ceremony via the Soualiga Sky Explorer, the scenic chairlift. The start of the ceremony was slightly affected by a heavy shower of rain. An electricity issue caused the chairlift to stall for some time when it was time to take guests back down the hill.

Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/75581-governor-rockland-estate-an-investment-in-heritage-tourism

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