The Dutch Caribbean nation of St. Maarten is taking steps to establish a Sint Maarten Tourism Authority (STA), signaling a major shift in how the country manages and develops its tourism sector.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Grisha Heyliger-Marten has assigned the Sint Maarten Tourism Authority Foundation the task of establishing an independent, professionally managed body to oversee the destination’s tourism development.
The assignment, which begins March 1, is aimed at modernizing St. Maarten’s tourism governance structure. “This is the moment to reshape the future of tourism in St. Maarten,” said Heyliger-Marten. “We are moving toward a smarter, more sustainable model that protects our quality of life, strengthens our economy and ensures that tourism works for our people.”
The STA will function as an independent entity responsible for strengthening destination competitiveness, improving visitor management, coordinating product development and supporting the growth of local businesses. The minister emphasized that the objective is not mass tourism, but a higher-value, better-managed tourism economy that benefits both residents and visitors.
The transition will be guided by two interim directors: Dr. James Hepple, who brings extensive public- and private-sector experience, and Cherinah Franken, a respected local tourism professional and current head of product development at the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau.
