In its opening statement, the SHTA informed the Executive Council of the challenges hotels are facing. The combined occupancy and room rate for 2009 shows a 27% drop over 2008 and the average spending per visitor has reduced. This pattern is being transmitted to other sectors as well. Wholesalers, for example, are reporting problems with receivable collections and an increase in requests for lengthening payment terms of outstanding bills.
Furthermore, research going forward shows that hotels are already discounting heavily for the 2010 Summer season as well as going into the high season, which is also a testament to Dr. Tromp's statement at the SHTA's Annual Meeting that 2010 will be the most economically challenging year.
Following the introduction, the following agenda items were handled.
Tourism Authority
The SHTA requested an update on the status of the Tourism Authority. Commissioner Frans Richardson stated that the final draft should be finalized within the first two weeks of February and that the SHTA will then receive a copy for final comments.
Development of a Hotel school (from the 10th European Development Fund)
The SHTA was asked to take part in a 4 day workshop to assist in designing a project that could be used for the 10th EDF. The participants of that meeting decided on a hotel/ hospitality school. The SHTA has since requested updates, but was told that the plan was delivered to the Executive Council.
Commissioner Fran Richardson stated that no document has reached the Executive Council, but will seek clarity on the matter.
Crime
The SHTA relayed its concern that if the economy worsens, so will crime and therefore suggested that St. Maarten should follow the French side and increase police presence on the streets. Lt. Governor Richards agreed and stated that crime is also a social issue and therefore placed a lot of emphasis on public/private partnership and community involvement. He also listed several actions currently being undertaken to address the issue. These include:
o Reorganizing the police force: This plan is expected to be approved in February 2010 and implemented soon after.
o Letters have been sent to the Central Government requesting reinforcements. These will be coming to the island soon.
o The Island is working with several Dutch municipalities and Suriname on a trajectory to get additional reinforcements. This is in process.
o Surveillance system will soon start in key areas.
The Lt. Governor also stated his desire to alter the application requirements for the police force; mainly, the language component.
Public Transportation
The SHTA stated that after reviewing some of the travel websites, it appears that traffic is one of the top complaints from visitors. -This was also reflected in the results of the Exit Survey the SHTA conducted a few years back at the Airport. - The SHTA believes this is largely due to the lack of a structured public transportation system. The SHTA was then given a progress report on the Changing Lanes project, in which public transportation is being addressed. This project is set to begin within the next two months. Some of the plans being explored include:
o Ensuring that public transportation covers all areas ( and to bring an end to gypsies)
o Stopping busses from running through backstreet, but instead establishing a bus terminal near town. Ferries will then be available to take persons into town
o Building a road through the lagoon, from the Airport to the Dutch/ French border in Bellevue
o If things continue to worsen, Government may have to consider restricting the number of cars per household.
Sustainable Development
The SHTA also hoped to discuss Sustainable Development, but because the subject is so broad and covers an array of issues, such as waste management, zoning and reef protection, Lt. Governor Richards requested that the SHTA schedule a follow up meeting.
All in all the meeting was very productive and informative. The goal of the meeting was not to advocate what Government should be doing, but to stress the need for structural public/ private partnership to weather the storm ahead.
