"Get the experience of visiting two island colonies in the same 37 square miles. Saint Maarten/Saint Martin's spicy marriage of Caribbean, French and Dutch cultures matches its physical diversity: the island is both urban and untamed, with rain forest-like landscapes, white beaches, and amazing caves and wildlife," TripAdvisor wrote about the island.
TripAdvisor is the largest online travel community in the world. It began its TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Destinations Awards in 2008 to "honor the world's top destinations, earning their distinction from those who know them best 'real travelers.'" In its inaugural edition, Philipsburg, St. Maarten was chosen as the third best vacation destination in the world, with only Milford Sound and Queenstown, both in New Zealand rated above it.
Last year when the Awards focused primarily on properties, Hotel Esplanade Caraibes in Grand Case was ranked number 7 in the region among the Best Hidden Gems of the Caribbean and Mexico.
"This is the third consecutive year in which our island has been chosen among the elite vacation destinations in the Caribbean & Mexico by those who matter most, real travelers – over 10 million of them, who give their unbiased opinions about places they have actually visited," noted Commissioner of Tourism, Frans Richardson.
"It is a testimony to the continued hard work of all stakeholders, particularly those who come in direct contact with the visitors – the taxi drivers, bell boys, waiters and waitresses, receptionists, etc.," Richardson continued, adding "the St. Maarten government will continue to work even harder to ensure that every visitor that touches our shores leaves with the most memorable vacation experience that will make them recommend our island to others."
Director of Tourism, Regina LaBega, for her part, noted that although the Island had slipped slightly from the number one ranking it achieved in 2008 when the first TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards were announced, "it is still very remarkable that millions of travelers were impressed enough to choose the destination among the very best in the region where competition for tourists is very fierce."
"It should be noted that the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards has focused on a different aspect each year. For example, in its first year, the Awards were general in nature while last year the emphasis was on the quality of the properties at the chosen destinations. This year there are several categories, apart from the general one. This means that regardless of the focus of the Awards, the destination continues to rate high as a favorite among travelers. There can be no better recognition than what these millions of actual visitors say about us online," added LaBega.
Hugh Riley of the Caribbean Tourism Organization described the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards as "of particular importance to the Caribbean as they reflect the unfettered opinion of our guests without provocation or persuasion."
"We want to impress our guests with an authentic Caribbean experience that can't be duplicated elsewhere in the world, whether they are looking for the perfect family, romantic or luxury getaway. This recognition proves that we are doing that and we thank our loyal guests for making their voices heard on our behalf," Riley concluded.
