PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the largest business representative on the island, representing over 170 companies in the tourism and trade industry, is proud to welcome 27 new members since the beginning of this year: Alicia's Inn, American University of St. Maarten, Amsterdam Cheese & Liquor Store, Bethlehem Real Estate Development, Body Jet Xtreme, Dawn to Dusk, Indulgence by the Sea, Innovative Marketing Creations, Jimbo's Restaurant, Keijzer Computer Systems, KK Travel & Tours, Leisure Car Rental, Maven Voyages, North South Net, Rice Hill Gardens Development, Shams, St. Maarten Recycling, St. Maarten Sightseeing Tours (Carib Resorts), Topper's Restaurant, Turismo Receptivo, Top Carrot, Tri-Sport, The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, University of St. Martin, VAIMEX, and Winair.
SHTA's membership offer many benefits including advocacy, networking, marketing, tourism promotion, training, discount programs, name exposure, industry information, and access to CHTA events. "I have seen the SHTA grow from being a Hotel and Tourism Association to becoming a Hospitality and Trade Association and that transition happened I believe when the association saw the need to involve members that are indirectly contributing to St. Maarten's largest industry, the Tourism Industry". "Being a member gives you the opportunity to be part of the change, the solutions" said May-Ling Chun, former head of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, Managing Director of IMC and Marketing Director for WINAIR.
"Bethlehem Real Estate Development and Rice Hill Gardens Development joined because we are looking to receive more exposure, increase out network circle, and work closely with other businesses on the island. Bethlehem Real Estate Development plans have a plan on paper to bring shopping and lodging to the island, with the possible inclusion of an Eco Lodge, a one-stop-shop concept, with lodging and shopping in the same complex, something that we would like to promote this through the SHTA. It will create jobs for St. Maarteners and broaden the tax base for the island" said its Managing Director, Astrid Plantz, who added that it was important to join forces when she found out that SHTA was not only for the hospitality industry, but also for Real Estate Development companies and all sectors of the industry in the island, that directly or indirectly benefit from tourism.
The SHTA is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information please contact our offices at 542-0108 or visit our website at www.shta.com.
