Port St. Maarten was present in South Reward at Milton Peters College (MPC) Career Fair on Wednesday.
Three departments of the port were profiled, namely Cargo, Human Resources and the Commercial Department.
The presentation by port staff was hands-on. Cargo explained how more than the majority of goods and products come in via the port and these items can be found in stores and supermarkets.
Human resources spoke about the importance of pursuing a study that would increase ones employability, and concluded with tips when searching for a job.
The Commercial Department spoke about the importance of cruise tourism and the impact that it has on the country’s economy. The emphasis was also placed on hospitality and friendliness of the people and the service that is provided to visitors since the island’s economy is tourism based.
Cruise tourism contributions to St. Maarten as a destination is very prominent. In 2013 the destination received over 1.7 million cruise passengers.
According to the Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA) 2012 study, Economic Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the Destination Economies, the average expenditure per passenger in St. Maarten was $185.40, which benefitted numerous industries through purchases of goods that included food and beverage at restaurants and bars, clothing, shore excursions, ground transportation, local crafts and souvenirs, watches and jewelry, perfumes and cosmetics, electronics, entertainment/night clubs/casinos, retail purchases of liquor, and telephone and internet.
The same study showed that the average expenditure per crew in St. Maarten was $135.50 on similar products and services. Plus it revealed the direct and indirect employment generated by the cruise industry, totaling 8,123 jobs and $159.8 million in employee wages.