Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication Hon. Ted Richardson is very pleased with the news coming out of the Caribbean Travel Marketplace this week that Sint Maarten is one of the country’s leading growth in Caribbean travel demand.
Demand for travel according to Expedia to the Caribbean region grew 20 per cent in the first three quarters of 2013, with the fastest growing markets being Sint Maarten/St. Martin at 35 per cent and Dominican Republic with 33 per cent when compared to the first three quarters of 2012.
The Caribbean Travel Marketplace started on January 12 and concluded on the 14th. It took place in Montego Bay Convention Centre, Jamaica.
The other countries named in the Expedia report were St. Lucia at 24 per cent, followed by Aruba with 21 per cent. In addition, travel demand for the Caribbean grew mostly in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Brazil.
"Government and the private sector have been working hard in doing what has to be done to promote the destination. We do all have our challenges; however, the efforts by all are paying off.
"I would like to commend the private sector for their efforts and to continue to do all they can in promoting the destination in North and Latin America as well as in Europe.
"One of the most important attraction to visitors to our destination is the hospitality of the people who work day and night in the tourism sector as well as the population overall. Continue to be courteous and helpful in providing service because your contributions have also contributed to putting our country in the lead," Minister Hon. Ted Richardson said on Thursday.
In 2013 there were over 1,240 delegates; in terms of buyers, 20 countries were represented; suppliers, 30 countries were represented.
PHOTO CUTLINE: Minister Hon. Ted Richardson