The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten has announced a new strategic partnership with Expedia Group, one of the world’s largest travel platforms, as part of its 2026 Summer Marketing Campaign. The partnership will place St. Maarten at the center of global travel search and continues the Ministry’s shift to data-driven tourism
marketing.
The Minister described the partnership as a major step forward in the country’s evolving
tourism strategy.
“Expedia’s decision to partner with St. Maarten reflects strong global confidence in our
destination,” the Minister stated. “This collaboration gives us access to real-time traveler
insights, targeted marketing tools and international reach that strengthens our
competitiveness in a crowded global market.”
The partnership components will allow St. Maarten to increase targeted visibility in key
North American and European markets, take advantage of data‑driven traveler insights
and booking trends, highlight the island’s summer offerings and drive increased
exposure across Expedia’s global network of travel brands.
The Minister emphasized that the partnership aligns with TEATT’s broader shift toward
digital‑first tourism marketing, combining structured global alliances with organic online
visibility.
“In recent months, St. Maarten has also benefited from significant organic exposure
through global online creators and digital communities,” Heyliger‑Marten added.
“Whether through structured partnerships like Expedia or through viral moments that
showcase our island to millions, St. Maarten is increasingly present in the global digital
conversation.”
This approach reflects TEATT’s strategy to diversify the island’s audience, reach
younger demographics, and strengthen long‑term destination awareness.
“Today’s travelers discover destinations online long before they book,” the Minister said.
“By embracing both formal partnerships and organic digital visibility, we are ensuring
that St. Maarten remains top‑of‑mind for future visitors.”
“The Expedia partnership forms part of TEATT’s ongoing efforts to support the tourism
sector, protect jobs, and stimulate economic activity during the summer period and
beyond. Expedia’s global marketing footprint including its sponsorship of major digital
creators such as IShowSpeed during his Caribbean tour demonstrates the value of
aligning St. Maarten with forward‑thinking travel platforms. Partnering with Expedia at
this moment, TEATT is placing the island within the same modern digital ecosystem that
is shaping global travel trends.”
“Our goal is simple,” Heyliger‑Marten concluded. “We want to ensure that St. Maarten
continues to shine on the world stage, not by chance, but by strategy.”