PHILIPSBURG:---- The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) has learned that passengers traveling through the Princess Juliana International Airport transiting to any destination are advised not to purchase duty free items, in fear of those items being confiscated at the Curacao Airport. The vacuum sealing of such purchases commonly offered at international airports around the world are not accepted by those executing the screening of transit passengers at the airport in Curacao.
Many stores advice passengers against purchases when it is clear that a transit in Curacao is required. Passenger complaints have been verified by COCI. Duty free items are offered at a more competitive price in St. Maarten than Curacao and passengers feel duped by this practice. It seems that the actions in Curacao are intended to force the purchase of duty free items this airport.
COCI understands that airports commonly have agreements executed to permit the travel with vacuum sealed duty free items while in transit. It is unclear if such an agreement is in effect between SXM airport and the Airport of Curacao, and if so why this agreement is so blatantly violated on a daily basis.
COCI intends to address this matter with the Director of SXM Airport but is of the opinion that the general public of St. Maarten needs to be aware of this practice conducted by the Airport in Curacao.
The described actions adversely affect the business potential of concessionaires at the SXM airport and so also negatively affect the economy of St. Maarten. COCI condemns this practice and will pursue a resolution in the interest of our business community.
The Board of Directors of COCI.
