Minister of Tourism Stuart Johnson paid a visit to one of the longest-serving hotels on St. Maarten, the Pasanggrahan hotel on Front Street in Philipsburg, Monday to get a first-hand impression of the progress being made to ready the facility for the tourist season.
The Pasanggrahan Bar that sits on the boardwalk will be beautified by the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau much like the way the Philipsburg Marketplace was enhanced, as a means of providing some beautification to Philipsburg while the destination transitions from being devastated by hurricane Irma to being a vibrant, beautiful destination once more.
Minister Johnson said the visit was especially important because of the significant role the Pasanggrahan Hotel has played in the development of the Tourism product on St. Maarten, as one of the first hotels to be established on the island. “Considering that St. Maarten is in a rebuilding phase where its economy and tourism product is concerned, I thought it wise to visit one of the places that have been providing service to our visitors, especially to our Royal Family, for so many years,” said Johnson.
The 45-Room Pasanggrahan Boutique Hotel is well known for being the home of the Dutch Royal Family when they visit St. Maarten. His Majesty King Willem-Alexander was the last to stay at the hotel in 2014. The hotel was devastated by hurricane Irma and Maria in 2017.
During the hurricane, Pasanggrahan’s Managing Director TiniTintali said all efforts were made to ensure that the portraits of the members of the Royal Family which hung on the walls of the Lobby were saved along with souvenirs brought to the resort by the family over forty years ago. At present, the hotel is offering limited service with sixteen of its rooms ready for use. Because of the extensive damage to the hotel, one section of the property would likely be demolished and rebuilt.
Meanwhile, the management of Pasanggrahan intends to ensure that the main building, which is designated as a landmark and historic site, is aesthetically restored to its original form. During the visit, Minister Johnson took the opportunity to outline some of his Ministry’s plans for the revitalisation of the Tourism Industry.
He told the managing director that the primary goals for the ministry include completing the repair work to reopen the Terminal Building of the Princess Juliana International Airport PJIA and the finalisation of plans to construct the US Preclearance Terminal. He also mentioned that significant work is still being executed at Port St. Maarten to ensure that the piers are ready to accept cruise calls for the upcoming season.