October 27, 2026 No comments
AI becomes part of the tourism demand
SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY - By Cdr. Bud Slabbaert) - There is a genuinely underestimated AI problem for Caribbean tourism economies. The Caribbean may be preparing its tourism marketing for yesterday's traveler while tomorrow's traveler is asking AI where to go. The Caribbean used to compete for tourists’ attention. Increasingly, it will have to compete for AI’s recommendation. Tourism destination promoters, hotels, airlines and airports should realize that the next customer may not find them. They may first have to be found by the machine that helps the customer decide where to go. That is a very different game. AI doesn't care about tourism advertising campaigns, no matter how much effort and money is spent on promotion. If the issue increasingly includes AI,...
Read more
October 27, 2026 No comments
GOVERNMENT SHARES MERCELL SCORING RESULTS WITH SOLID WASTE TENDER BIDDERS
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Government of Sint Maarten has informed all bidders in the solid waste tender of the outcome of the Mercell scoring system, as part of the evaluation phase of the process. As is the case with all Mercell based tenders, the scores were distributed to all participating bidders. The report allows each bidder to see how they scored in comparison to everyone else who submitted a bid on the same parcels. The next phase of the tender process is the evaluation phase. During this stage, the evaluation committee will verify that bidders meet the established criteria and are eligible for award. The Government remains committed to a fair, open, and accountable tender process as it works toward improving...
Read more
October 27, 2026 No comments
STB Promotes Renewed Connections to St. Thomas USVI Through Targeted Market Activations
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Following the launch of Contour Airlines’ nonstop service between St. Maarten and St. Thomas on October 5, 2026, the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) undertook a series of promotional activations to raise awareness of the new connection, encourage travel and rebuild ties between the neighboring destinations. This direct route between St. Maarten (SXM) and St. Thomas (STT), reestablished after more than 20 years, opens new opportunities to reconnect families, friends and business associates, while making leisure travel, weekend getaways and regional business exchanges more convenient. Building on the inaugural ceremonies held in both St. Maarten and ST. Thomas, STB’s promotional efforts brought this message directly to media audiences, travel trade professionals and residents throughout St. Thomas through...
Read more
October 27, 2026 No comments
Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell Discusses Strengthening Healthcare with SMMC Team
THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, hosted a meeting recently with Dr. Felix Holiday and Harlec Doran of the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), where they discussed opportunities to strengthen healthcare, advance professional development and how to deepen engagement with Sint Maarteners living abroad. The discussion highlighted the important role of SMMC in training future medical professionals and developing local healthcare capacity. Through practical experience in areas such as surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics and other clinical disciplines, SMMC provides students with a close-knit learning environment that supports professional growth and helps prepare future practitioners who may contribute to Sint Maarten’s healthcare sector. A central theme of the meeting was the need to establish stronger, and more sustained...
Read more
October 27, 2026 No comments
Binational St. Maarten / St. Martin Taste of The Caribbean Team Revealed
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The St. Maarten / St. Martin Team to compete in the prestigious "Taste of The Caribbean" competition will consist of Senior Chef Jewel Daal, Pastry Chef Djaya Coupey, Junior Chef Jamal Dormoy. and Bartender Erion Peterson. "Taste" 2017 veteran Renata de Weever will be the team's coach. This was announced Thursday evening during the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) mixer at Kooyman. The Taste of The Caribbean Competition, held since 1993, celebrates the vibrant flavors, rich culinary heritage, and creativity of Caribbean cuisine. Talented chefs from across the region come together in national competing teams to showcase their skills, passion, and island-inspired dishes. It will be the first time a St. Maarten / St. Martin...
Read more
