The October 15, François Groh, director of the'Overseas Departments Issuing Institute' of Guadeloupe and the Northern Islands (which acts as the central bank), presented to the CCISM Economic analysis of the French part of the island for 2025 and for the first half of 2026. If the Tourism remains the most promising sectorr, the IEDOM emphasizes the the need to invest in structuring projects starting in 2027including waste management, energy and housing, to maintain this positive momentum.
2,8 million visitors in 2025
The entire island, Saint-Martin and Sint Maarten, welcomed 2,8 million tourists in 2025, compared to 2,4 million in 2024. If 95,5% of travelers arrive on the Dutch sideThis attractiveness benefits the entire territory. The French side stands out with a more selective clientele, seeking high-end experiences in gastronomy and hospitality.
In Grand-Case, Air traffic is projected to increase by 2,4% in 2025with 107.165 arrivals, 65% of which were French passengers. But the liquidation of Air Antilles weighed on the first half of 2026, with 10% less traffic.
The construction industry is returning to a more stable pace.
After the intense activity post-Irma reconstruction projects, The construction industry is becoming “normalized” in 2025 and staffing levels remain stable, with the end of major construction projects like college 900. Several projects still need to support the sectorincluding the 600 school, the media library and the Concordia administrative and judicial complex. In 2027,the construction of the Grand-Case community center, the reconstruction of theSandy Ground socio-cultural and sports space, as well as the construction of the Galisbay technical center are on the program.
This stabilization, however, is accompanied by a 36,8% drop in cement purchases on the French side. Faced with the rise in cost of raw materialsCompanies are turning to the the Dutch side, where prices are more competitiveIn Sint Maarten, the construction sector thus grew by 2,3% in 2025.
Employment: Encouraging signs
The private sector included 8119 employees by the end of 2025, be one increase of 5,3% in one year. Despite structurally high unemployment, The number of job seekers under 25 years old has fallen sharply (-11,9%)But recruitment remains difficult: 45% of recruitment projects are considered complicated. by companies, compared to 41% in 2024, while labor needs continue to increase.
2026: A favorable situation, projects to launch
The first half of 2026 remains positive, even with the decline in air traffic at Grand-Case and the 10% decline in building permit applications This assessment is nuanced. On the Dutch side, the tourist season extended until the end of September, revealing a “mid-season” particularly marked.
To continue this momentum, the IEDOM emphasizes several key investments: theGalisbay port extension, estimated at €132 million, while 30% of imports landed on the Dutch side are destined for the French side; a compliant power plantThe current temporary installation has a high economic and environmental cost; but also the waste management and the social housingAs a reminder, on the 810 social housing units planned by the COM, only 14 have been delivered to date. _DR
