PHILIPSBURG:--- With the Caribbean region as a prime target to invigorate St. Maarten's year-round tourism market share, the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), represented by its Caribbean Marketing Agent IMBRACE, embarked on a series of sales calls at the end of March. The focus included select South and Eastern Caribbean islands with initial partnership-building visits to Trinidad, Barbados, and Antigua.
These sales calls incorporated a series of productive meetings and presentations to travel agencies, the media, event promoters, and airlines to explore cross-promotional partnerships strategically forged towards driving increased awareness and appeal of St. Maarten as a key tourism destination. "The goal is to elevate the promotion of our island throughout the wider Caribbean region. We aim to redefine the narrative surrounding St. Maarten, shifting the focus from solely being a connecting hub to showcasing the diverse, multicultural vacation experiences that we have to offer, including entertainment, culture, gastronomy, adventurous excursions, nature, nightlife, outstanding accommodations available, high-quality hospitality services and more. These all form a vital component of the 'Sweet SXM Experience' that we are promoting," shared Jacqueline Louis, CEO IMBRACE.
"We are knocking on doors, breaking down walls, and actively paving the way into the Caribbean region. These efforts are essential to keep the island at the top of mind for inbound tourism," shared Louis. "We were received with a warm welcome among our Caribbean brothers and sisters. Several travel agencies, including Amrals Travel Agencies in Trinidad, Going Places Travel Agencies in Barbados, and many others are among those who have agreed to develop promotional packages that include offers to our dual-nation island paradise."
Additionally, discussions were held to explore affordable rates, direct connections, and cooperative campaigns, particularly for major events such as the SMART conference, St. Maarten Carnival, St. Maarten culinary month and other local festivities.
During radio interviews and other media presentations, the enthusiasm was invigorating as IMBRACE promoted the destination with passion, while launching a Caribbean-wide campaign to enter and get a chance to 'Win an all-inclusive vacation to Sweet St. Maarten!'
"IMBRACE's Caribbean tourism marketing initiatives are focused on building collaborative bridges where there were once competitive barriers. Connecting our shared historical, regional and family bonds will help stimulate increased affinity, awareness and thereby, also grow the tourism appeal of our Sweet St. Maarten," shared Jacqueline Louis.
These efforts will be continuous as IMBRACE remains dedicated to strategically implementing various campaigns as part of the comprehensive Caribbean marketing program.
Local hospitality providers, including hotels, restaurants, car rentals, activity/tour companies and all stakeholders are encouraged to participate in STB's Caribbean marketing efforts by sharing their products and regional promotions for inclusion in the ongoing destination marketing efforts.
