~Air arrivals jump 23% while cruise sector surges 18% in the strongest start to the year since pandemic recovery~
PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten’s tourism industry delivered an exceptional performance in the first quarter of 2026, with dramatic increases in both air passenger arrivals and cruise tourism signaling continued economic momentum for the destination. Newly released figures from the Department of Statistics (STAT) reveal that the island welcomed more than 1 million visitors during the first three months of the year alone.
According to STAT, total air passenger arrivals reached 314,765 in Q1 2026, an increase of 57,842 passengers, or 23%, compared to the same period in 2025.
The statistics agency explained that all visitors entering through Princess Juliana International Airport — including post-immigration transfer passengers — are now categorized as “Air Passenger Arrivals,” reflecting the island’s role as a regional aviation hub. STAT also noted that the newly implemented digital immigration system has significantly improved data accuracy, although some limitations remain in distinguishing transfer passengers, residents, and European Union travelers.
North America Dominates Arrivals
North America remained St. Maarten’s dominant tourism market during the quarter, accounting for 213,595 arrivals, or 67.9% of all air passenger traffic.
The United States continued to lead as the island’s single largest market, contributing 171,340 arrivals — representing 54.4% of all passengers and approximately 80% of the North American market. On average, the island received more than 57,000 American passengers per month during the quarter.
Canada also remained a significant contributor to overall North American growth.
Europe Shows Strong Performance
The European Union ranked as St. Maarten’s second-largest source market, generating 76,790 arrivals, equivalent to 24.4% of total air arrivals.
Within the European market, France led all EU countries with 31,091 arrivals, accounting for 40.5% of EU arrivals and 9.9% of total arrivals overall. The Netherlands followed with 18,502 arrivals, representing 24.1% of EU traffic and 5.9% of overall passenger arrivals.
Regional And International Markets Continue To Expand
The Caribbean region recorded 9,946 arrivals, accounting for 3.2% of total arrivals, while averaging more than 3,300 passengers monthly.
Meanwhile, Central and South America contributed 8,588 arrivals, or 2.7% of total arrivals, averaging over 2,800 passengers per month. The region also posted an increase of approximately 1,700 passengers compared to Q1 2025.
Travelers categorized under the “Rest of the World” market totaled 5,846 arrivals, representing 1.9% of overall passenger traffic and averaging more than 1,900 monthly arrivals.
Cruise Tourism Posts Massive Gains
The island’s cruise tourism sector also delivered an outstanding quarter.
STAT reported that St. Maarten welcomed 748,603 cruise passengers during Q1 2026, representing an 18% increase compared to the 635,968 cruise visitors recorded in Q1 2025.
January 2026 recorded a 19% increase in cruise passenger arrivals over January 2025. February followed with a 16% increase, while also registering approximately 30% more cruise ship calls than the same month last year.
March maintained the strong upward trend, posting an 18% increase in cruise passenger arrivals despite the approach of the Caribbean’s traditional tourism off-season.
In total, the island recorded 316 cruise ship calls during Q1 2026, representing an increase of 40 additional calls compared to Q1 2025.
Economic Impact Expected Across the Island
Tourism experts say the impressive figures are expected to translate into significant economic benefits for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, taxi services, retailers, and small businesses across St. Maarten.
The sustained growth in both stay-over and cruise tourism further strengthens confidence in the island’s tourism recovery and long-term outlook.
With robust demand from North America and Europe, increased cruise scheduling, and improved airport operations, St. Maarten appears poised for continued tourism expansion throughout the remainder of 2026.
