Tourism Minister predicts a huge increase in passenger arrivals for 2019

PHILIPSBURG—Minister responsible for tourism Stuart Johnson has predicated a huge increase in visitor arrivals to the island for 2019. He mentioned that at the Princess Juliana International Airport there has already been some 1.8 million persons who have come through the airport already.

He explained that with regard to cruise passengers there were some 1.5 million passengers last year and it is expected that in 2019 it will be about 1.7 million but feels that it will be record breaking in 2019. This is depending on the necessary investments and the overall vision for the port.

He pointed out that once the island is fully restored where the hotels rooms are back up to about one hundred percent, “we are ready to make St. Maarten the top notch destination” in the Northeastern Caribbean. He noted that if one looks at the inventory of hotel rooms the visitor will experience new rooms and additional room accommodations.

He stated as an example Sonesta Maho Beach Resort is busy to have their hotel ready for February 28 since they will be welcoming back the Sunwing Group which will bring a hundred plus passengers to the island.

He had submitted a report to the Council of Ministers and the coalition with regard to his visit to “Routes America” where they had numerous meetings with various airlines concerning returning to St. Maarten. “I have submitted a formal report for each working visit to determine the economic benefit to the destination but also for government to be represented at these forums.”

It is looking very promising and the numbers could only rise as St. Maarten goes forward, he concluded.