After a year of absence, the SMART (the Saint-Martin tourism fair) returned for a fruitful fifteenth edition. The event is organized by SHTA (St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association) and AHSM (Association des Hôteliers de Saint-Martin) as well as the two tourist offices of the island. “SMART is the only event that brings together public and private actors from both sides of the island. Its originality is to make us work as a single destination, ”points out Philippe Thévenet, secretary general of AHSM.
SMART is when the whole tourism industry comes together. The aim is to bring buyers and producers together. Tour operators and travel agents, mainly North Americans, in a way come to shop with local producers - mainly accommodation providers. "Some of them are already in contact, but this is an opportunity to present the new products, to make them touch the finger" continues Philippe Thévenet. “In addition to coming (re) discovering the destination, it is also an opportunity to renegotiate contracts,” adds Kate Richardson, director of the Saint-Martin tourist office.
SMART took place from June 14 to 16. Between an inauguration evening at the Westin Dawn Beach on Wednesday, and a closing evening at the Anse Marcel Beach Club on Thursday evening, several workshops took place. "Digital marketing was the central theme." reports Wyb Meyer, the director of the SHTA. Expedia and Trip Advisor were among the hundreds of companies present. Experts from Mastercard also came to explain how and where tourists spend their money in order to draw the necessary strategic conclusions. The workshops, mainly for producers, also focused on changing regulations. While the next day was mainly devoted to hotel visits, etc. The idea was also to make buyers live what their customers will experience. Source: www.soualigapost.com
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