GREAT BAY,– The commissioner responsible for economic affairs, Frans Richardson, recently met with yet, another group of stakeholders, this time, small hoteliers. Represented at the meeting were operators of L' Esperance Hotel, Turquoise Shell Inn, Mary’s Boon hotel, Carl & Sons Guesthouse and Joshua Rose Guesthouse.
The group informed Commissioner Richardson regarding their views on the current economic developments and outlook.
The commissioner was informed that, across the board, small hotels are seeing an average of between 20 and 50 percent decline in business.
The small hotel operators noted that it is difficult to compete for guests, since larger hotels are now offering lower rates for accommodation. In many cases, the rates are the same as offered by smaller hotels.
Commissioner Richardson was informed that smaller hotels, in many instances, depend on the regional market, a development attributed to immigration policy changes that require some Caribbean guests to have at least 800 U.S. dollars in cash on their person, upon arrival.
As a result, prospective visitors are no longer visiting St. Maarten, the commissioner was informed.
There are several current and future initiatives to mitigate the current impact of the economic decline.
Small hoteliers are now conducting their own marketing strategies as opposed to depending on the S.H.T.A.
The meeting addressed the topic of promoting sports tourism targeting the region, as a way to attract guests in the off-season.
Small hoteliers discussed the implementing of more focused marketing through more accurate collection of data (ASIC).
Commissioner Richardson was further informed of their opinion that there are insufficient “come to St Maarten” advertisements.
Suggestions for structural short-term solutions to be implemented, in collaboration with government include allotting a portion of the marketing stimulus plan to the promotion of small hotels and guest house.