Jamaica - At the recent Caribbean Travel Marketplace 42, held in Jamaica, May Ling Chun, Director of Tourism of the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, and Priscillia Wachter, Deputy Director, International Marketing and Promotion Manager at the Tourist Office of Saint-Martin, French Caribbean, presented their tourism proposal in an interview at the St. Maarten booth set up at the Montego Bay Convention Center.

Saint Maarten offers an unparalleled tourist experience with its unique combination of French and Dutch cultures, a diverse culinary offering, and activities ranging from hiking to island hopping to nearby islands. With a mix of all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, and villas, the island is an ideal destination for all types of travelers, standing out for its safety and accessibility.

During the interview, they highlighted the reasons to consider a vacation in St. Maarten, a singular and diverse island. "St. Maarten is very unique and diverse, especially in terms of gastronomy. We have two sides on the island: the Dutch and the French. On the French side, the French and Caribbean cultures mix, offering a complete and varied experience," they said.

Priscillia Wachter added that this uniqueness is also reflected in the cultures present. "Not only do we have Dutch and French influence, but we also have over 130 nationalities, which is reflected in our cuisine. The food is amazing; we are the gourmet capital of the Caribbean. This reflects our culture and we offer many experiences, from getting to know the people and their history to immersing in our culture."

Among the highlighted experiences are hiking, visiting old landmarks, the nautical capitals, nature adventures, and island hopping to nearby islands like Anguilla and Saba. "This combination of visiting all these islands around St. Maarten is unique," explained May Ling Chun.

Diverse Accommodation Options

St. Maarten also stands out for its variety of accommodations. "We have all-inclusive resorts on both sides of the island, but on the French side, we specialize in boutique hotels and villas, offering a wide variety of accommodation options for all budgets."

Cruise Connections and Safety in St. Maarten

Additionally, St. Maarten has become a departure and arrival point for luxury cruises. "Now you can depart from St. Maarten on a cruise, giving you more free days before and after the trip. These cruises include lines such as Ritz-Carlton, Celebrity, Azamara, Sea Dream, and Windstar. St. Maarten is a very safe destination, making it attractive for families and solo travelers alike. We are ranked as level one in terms of safety, meaning it is one of the safest places."

The directors also highlighted the specific charms of each side of the island. "Discover an island shared between the French and Dutch Antilles and cross the symbolic border to experience the charms of both parts. On the French side of Saint-Martin, you can explore the capital Marigot, with Fort Louis or Galisbay Beach, as well as exceptional places like Pic Paradis (the highest point on the island at 424 meters), Orient Bay, or Anse Marcel."

"On the Dutch side, you can discover the capital, Philipsburg, a shopping paradise, with its Front Street, casinos, and the quirky Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit museum. Additionally, this part of the island offers Great Bay Beach and the famous Maho Beach."

An Easily Accessible Destination

St. Maarten, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, is a unique and surprising territory in the heart of the Antilles. With easy access through major international airports, St. Maarten offers preserved nature, between land and sea. The "Friendly Island," joyful and multicultural, also captivates with its vibrant nightlife and gastronomy that blends French, Creole, and other flavors from around the world.

On the island of 37 beaches, visitors can enjoy culinary, sports, wellness, and relaxation adventures under the Caribbean sun. "St. Maarten is great for everyone: young people, families, couples, and solo travelers. We pride ourselves on offering an authentic and safe experience for all our visitors," they explained.