Tourism in St Maarten is continuing on a steady course, with the island’s traditional seasonal swings showing signs of evening out.
“Tourism on St Maarten is stable and continuing its annual trend with low and high seasons,” Kenrick Housen, CEO of Carl’s Unique Inn and longtime board member of the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association, tells Caribbean Journal. “But low seasons are getting a lot less low.”
A Shift Toward Group Travel
Housen, who has been active in organizing events on the island for more than a decade, pointed to a clear shift in the way visitors are traveling.
“The biggest trend I’m noticing is group trips, primarily girls’ trips to the island for all types of occasions — birthdays, bridal parties, or just trips including island hopping,” he said.
He added that the island’s unique culture and hospitality play a big role in shaping the visitor experience. “Most of the hotels and the island itself provide a unique blend of friendliness and different cultures, enhancing the visitor experience.”
Supporting the Industry
Housen also emphasized the role of the SHTA in strengthening the local tourism sector.
“SHTA offers a vast library of resources, good for networking, trainings and workshops, lobbying with government and great insights,” he said.
The organization, he noted, is focusing on growing its social media presence and ensuring accessibility to new platforms and trends.
Innovation at the Hotel Level
At Carl’s Unique Inn, technology is helping enhance the booking process.
“Our website’s booking engine has been upgraded to offer a smoother and easier experience when booking a room direct,” Housen said.
For Housen, the future of St Maarten’s tourism industry depends on deeper community involvement.
“St Maarten can deepen the impact of tourism more by getting the community to embrace the importance of tourism from the top to the bottom and how it affects us all,” he said.
He also sees a broader shift in what travelers are seeking.
“The travel experience is changing a lot from more of a shopping experience to more of an experience-driven trend — whether it’s activities, events or culinary experiences.”
Looking Ahead
Despite changes in traveler behavior and the evolving demands of the industry, Housen said the outlook for the island remains positive.
“The outlook remains positive,” he said.
For more, visit the St Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association.
