Philipsburg:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic, and Transportation (TEATT) Romeo Pantophlet told reporters on Wednesday during the Council of Ministers' weekly press briefing that when he visited some South American countries, in particular (Cartagena and Bogotá) Columbia, he met with numerous Airlines whose desire is to make St. Maarten one of their routes. Pantophlet said the intention of these airlines is to make PJIAE an improved and international hub. He said some of the airlines St. Maarten is discussing with want to do charter flights while others want to operate here as one of their destinations. Pantophlet said that one of the main requests from these airlines is that St. Maarten has to be more flexible on its visa requirements for the South Americans countries particularly Colombia. "These airlines guarantee St. Maarten that if they can be more flexible with the visa requirements, they will basically flood the island with upscale visitors from those destinations."
The airlines also asked that PJIAE stay open for extended hours due to the connections of other flights that might have to stop here after normal schedule or closing hours. The TEATT Minister said this is one point they intend to discuss with the management of PJIAE. He said when the resurfacing of the runway is completed, the information will be sent to the airlines that expressed interest. Colombia he said wants to start running here as early as the summer of 2013. Minister Pantophlet also confirmed that he is also discussing with the Minister of Justice to see how they can simplify the visa requirements for the South American countries.
The Minister of Tourism also announced that St. Maarten will be hosting the next FCCA conference in 2014. He said an organizing committee has already been installed to make arrangements for the conference.
