GREAT BAY:--- Commissioner of Tourism Frans Richardson told members of the media that his trip to Brazil can be considered fruitful since GOL Airlines of Brazil will begin a year-round weekly flight to St. Maarten, namely, two flights out of Brazil in the high season and one in the off season, starting on March 27.
Four major Brazilian wholesalers (travel agent firms and tourism-related companies) are now also on board to strengthen promotions and take seats on the rotations to St. Maarten.
The Sonesta Maho Group has committed to the market by offering competitive introductory rates to ensure its success. The commissioner urges the rest of the private sector in realizing the marketing efforts.
"We have to recognize the importance of the South American: South Americans like to dine and shop; they love local cultural activities and night life in general; they are fascinated with the French flair, which benefits St. Martin and St. Barths, Commissioner Richardson said. Given the above, the commissioner will be meeting with his counterparts on the French side as well as St. Barths and Anguilla. "
The commissioner also met with American Airlines - São Paulo, Brazil, Jose Roberto Trinca. AA is offering the following promotional round trip fare: Low Season: 584 U.S. dollars plus tax; High Season: 794 U.S. dollars plus tax.
Commissioner Richardson also met with well-known Brazilian journalist Amaury Junior, a journalist and TV presenter, known for his night program, when he interviews celebrities and covers festivals and events. The plan is to bring the TV show to the island during 6 days and film all the attractions, nightlife, etc.
We also raised awareness of St. Maarten among the trade: wholesalers, tour operators, incentive & Group Planners. There we also launched our brand among the major tour operators, including 40 journalists from major media in tourism.
The group also attended the 16th CVC workshop, held at Expo Center Norte in Sao Paulo. There were 12,000 travel agents (from all Brazil and Latin America, especially Argentina and Chile) and a total of 658 exhibitors from national and international tourism entities were present at the event.
The St. Maarten booth distributed materials (brochures etc.) to more than 5000 travel agents.
The commissioner said that there is no St. Maarten office representing the island in Brazil but we have a representative in Brazil promoting the island. The travel agents and wholesalers are responsible for ensuring capacity on the flights based on the backing and promotion of the new branding destination of St. Maarten, not only in Brazil but also in Argentina and Chile.
Though we are waiting on the promotional budget in the market, we are looking at roughly $1 million dollars. I want the private sector to contribute to these efforts as well.
Along this line, the commissioner said that the establishing of the Tourism Authority is in process; the draft is on his desk, it has to go to the Legal Affairs Department, then it has to go to the Executive Council for approval and after that to the Island Council. So we are getting there.
