GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten has highlighted the local economic impact of Royal Caribbean's Royal Day at Port St. Maarten, saying the event demonstrated how cruise tourism can create direct opportunities for businesses, entertainers and service providers.
St. Maarten hosted Royal Day as part of Royal Caribbean's President's Cruise, the cruise line's annual signature loyalty sailing hosted by Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley together with senior executives and Crown & Anchor loyalty members.
Heyliger-Marten described Royal Caribbean as a long-standing and important partner of St. Maarten and said the event demonstrated the strength of that relationship.
She said the value of the partnership goes beyond ships calling at Port St. Maarten or passenger arrival numbers and should also be measured by the economic opportunities created for local people.
According to the Minister, the Royal Day activation involved 24 vendors, 53 entertainers and 128 service staff.
She said the participants included local businesses, creatives, entertainers and service providers who were given opportunities to earn income, showcase their products and services and interact directly with Royal Caribbean and its guests.
Heyliger-Marten said this represents economic impact in practical terms and is an example of how St. Maarten can extract more value from its tourism industry.
The Minister said economic diversification does not necessarily mean moving away from tourism. It can also mean increasing the value generated by tourism and ensuring that a greater share of tourism spending reaches local businesses and residents.
She said this involves strengthening connections between cruise tourism and St. Maarten's small businesses, food, culture, entertainment, creative industries and service providers.
Heyliger-Marten said the feedback received following Royal Day was highly positive, with organizers indicating that it was the best Royal Day they had experienced and that the event proceeded without problems.
She said the outcome demonstrated what St. Maarten can deliver when Government, Port St. Maarten, private-sector partners and the community work together.
The Minister congratulated Port St. Maarten, Royal Caribbean, the organizers, vendors, entertainers and service providers who contributed to the event.
Heyliger-Marten said events of this nature can have benefits extending beyond the day itself by exposing small businesses to new customers, placing local products before international visitors and allowing entertainers to perform before an international audience.
She said a single introduction or business connection can potentially create opportunities outside St. Maarten.
The Minister said this is the type of tourism impact Government wants to continue developing, with the goal of creating more opportunities for local entrepreneurs both within St. Maarten and in overseas markets.
