Marigot: --- Despite the hard economic crisis St. Maarten/ St. Martin is making sure they do what is necessary to continue its marketing plans. In so doing the St. Maarten Trade Association launched the 8th annual St. Maarten Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART).For the first time the two day event will be held on the French side of the island, thanks to Radisson who joined forces with the hotel associations to make the event possible.
Officials representing both sides' governments in the persons of Ida Zin Ka Ieu President of the French Tourist Office and Regina Labbega from the Dutch Tourist Office inked the contract which guarantees the financing of the project. While Philippe Thevenet signed for the French Hotel Association and Keith Graham on behalf of the SHTA. Zin Ka Ieu said the both tourist offices have committed to 40% of the expenses while the Hotel Associations will cover 10% each. The contract signed yesterday is something that has to be done biannually a means of securing its financing.
Project Manager of SMART Robert Dubourcq said that the island cannot afford to stop its marketing plans even though there is a crisis. The tradeshow is to make sure the island gets the necessary coverage overseas. Suppliers and buyers as well as hoteliers would be visiting the island to take part in business meetings during tabletop setups. Also to be provided are workshops and trainings for smaller businesses. He said last year there was 55 tabletops meetings but this year they are expecting at least 65 of those meetings which would take place during the first day of the tradeshow.
Visitors for the two days will have the opportunity to see what both sides of the island offers since both sides have its uniqueness. Already there are 14 participants who have booked during the pre marketing plan which began in January. Dubourcq said the main objective this year to attract more partners from Europe. He said they have been trying to do just that over the years but somehow they always missed the boat. However, with Radisson on board this was made easier. He already there is one new wholesaler who booked for the event.
Regina Labega in her remarks said she is excited to the fact that the event is being hosted on the French side an opportunity for those coming to the island to see the entire island as well as experiencing the goods and services that are offered.
President of the French Tourist Office Ida Zin Ka Ieu confirmed that the French side has recommenced their marketing in the United States of America. She said one of the main things to keep in mind is that St. Maarten/ St. Martin is one destination even though the two sides have different assets. She assured that whatever needs to be done in the interest of the island will be done with joint and closer cooperation with the two sides. She said in the past St. Maarten/St. Martin has worked intelligently and they would continue working in that manner in the hopes of preserving the interest of the island and its people who are investing in the island.
She said the French side never stopped the marketing in New York but styles have been changed. Zin Ka Ieu said she just returned from Florida where they are hosting bliss. The Tourist Office President said that even though the Dutch side was not in Florida they were represented because St. Maarten/ St. Martin are one island. Zin ka Ieu said that people has to use the marketing strategies as a force to fully represent St. Maarten/ St. Martin and not as a weakness. She said when one works with intelligent people then intelligent agreements are being made.
General Manager of the Radisson Jeff Lesker said they are grateful they were given this opportunity to showcase their new property. He applauded the SHTA and the other stakeholders for their vision and determination in marketing the island. He said while it is perceived that there are less people travelling but felt that the ground work has to be done.
