POINT BLANCHE:--- Port St. Maarten Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mark Mingo says that the port is one of the sponsors of SXM Airport's Safety & Security Conference 2014 which will bring to the country's shores over 100 aviation professionals from the Caribbean region, airlines industry reps and civil aviation authorities early next week.
The theme of the conference is: "Prioritizing Safety, Security, and Revenue Growth to Maximize Aviation Efficiency in the Caribbean."
"Airports and Seaports have to work hand-in hand in order for a country to progress. Port St. Maarten and SXM Airport are the gateways into the country and serve as the catalyst for the economic engine we know as tourism.
"The theme of the conference serves to enlighten us about the current trends and developments in the travel industry and in this case aviation and airports. We all have to be on top of things in order to be able to address upcoming challenges.
"Once you are ahead of the challenge curve, you are able to mitigate and protect the interests of your port whether it is sea or air. Our two ports of entry cater to a couple million visitors annually, so it is in our interests for us to be on the ball.
"Port St. Maarten's sponsorship of part of the conference is in line with our mutual and dual interests in protecting our customers, visitors who make use of these facilities annually due to the professionalism of staff, employees and clientele as well as other important stakeholders who show hospitality when carrying out their responsibilities.
"Both ports of entry will remain at the forefront in the success of the country's economy, and we need to intensify cooperation as we move forward as a country," Port St. Maarten CEO Mark Mingo said on Friday.
The conference will take place at Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa from September 30 to October 1.
