PHILIPSBURG–The need to “Revive Philipsburg” and restore it were the main topics at a recent meeting between Tourism and Economic Affairs Minister Stuart Johnson and Indian Merchants Association (IMA) members.
Johnson updated IMA, among whose membership is Member of Parliament Sidharth “Cookie” Bijlani, on his ministry’s vision “to bring life back to Philipsburg” and the need for stakeholders’ collaboration. He assured IMA that Philipsburg will not be ignored: “As a matter of fact, revitalisation of Philipsburg is a priority.”
Both parties are concerned about the drastic change over the past decade from a shopping and dining mecca to a “sleepy town,” according to a press statement from Johnson.
IMA has reported that the reduction of economic activity and lack of improvements in Philipsburg have “a very negative impact” on St. Maarten’s overall economic viability. The increased use of online platforms such as Amazon.com “poses a real threat to businesses in St. Maarten in general.”
The combination of international competition for product sales and lack of attention over the years “is turning Philipsburg into a low-class bazaar,” according to the press statement.
Johnson was updated on a recent survey of cruise visitors to St. Maarten that shows visitor interest in returning to the island has dropped from eight to 5.5 per cent. Johnson said he considers this to be “quite alarming. … It emphasises the urgent need to work on the cruise segment jointly with all stakeholders.”
Following the meeting on January 18, Johnson attended the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Platinum Associate Membership Advisory Council Summit during which he gave assurances of government’s intention to address IMA’s concerns and those of cruise passengers. He also shared information about the Philipsburg Revitalisation Plans.
Johnson is preparing a document addressing IMA’s concerns, including security and safety, repair works to prevent pedestrians from falling, need for wheelchair and other ramps, for support of fellow ministers.
The “short stay” of the cruise ships at Port St. Maarten must be addressed, according to IMA. Some cruise ships spend only four hours in port before departing from St. Maarten, giving limited time for visitors to see the island, said IMA.
The meeting also covered hotel room inventory, the return of airlines, attracting another low-cost air service and the return of signage for residents’ and visitors’ safety.
Potential incentives for airlines and boats from the region with the aim of increasing visitors, especially for Carnival, were talked about in the session. Government will look at fast-tracking an air service development company to promote shopping and using this island as a hub.
Visitors from St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua, St. Lucia and other islands were able to access St. Maarten at a low airfare in the past. Those fares now average some US $399 and have significantly hampered regional numbers.
Inadequate parking and insufficient parking for tour buses, garbage in town, increased number of barkers and the still-to-be-completed security camera project were also discussed at the meeting, as well as the decreased number of regional visitors in the past decade, air and sea connections and destination marketing.
Johnson said he would look into ways to provide free WiFi in Philipsburg and allow IMA to subsidise free travel on the water taxis for cruise ship crewmembers.
Thought will be given to installation of virtual reality stands at Port St. Maarten and at Princess Juliana International Airport to generate visitor interest in businesses and services.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/84675-johnson-and-ima-talk-about-reviving-town
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