The economic actors of the tourist sector of Saint-Martin are worried about the impact that the general strike could have on the tourist product of the island.
The economic actors of the Saint-Martin / Sint Maarten tourism sector, made up of the two airports, tourist offices, ports, chambers of commerce and hotel associations, meet every month to discuss the tourism-related issues that affect two sides of the island. At last Friday's meeting, the consequences of the general strike announced for April 11, 2019 by various unions were raised as a matter of concern.
Although they understand the social components, they want to raise awareness among all parties concerned of the short-term effects on the island's already fragile economy.
A negative impact for everyone…
At the height of the 2018/2019 tourist season, a blockage can only have a negative impact. This poses serious security concerns for the airport, in the event that personnel are not allowed access to their workplace. If the mandatory safety measures are not respected, the snowball effect is inevitable, which means that passengers are stranded on the ground. The same goes for the port.
Negotiations relating to the cruise sector are also underway and it goes without saying that social peace is a key decision factor when one engages in these discussions.
The economic actors of Saint-Martin urge all parties concerned to remember that the process of rebuilding the island has evolved a lot but that there is still a lot to be done and that each decision taken affects all layers of society. All sectors must work hand in hand to ensure the progress of the island and find a solution to the conflict.
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