TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Only 6% growth in occupied room nights in SXM

I have a 100% occupancy rate at the Driftwood Boat Bar.

Despite the world traveling again at a record pace its not surprising SXM lagging behind. The do little non productive government does not promote the island properly like the other Islands and the Gov was very very slow to get rid of the Covid entry restrictions so a LOT of tourist booked OTHER Islands for high season. Plus island upkeep is just lacking as the island is just not maintained. It's not rocket science what needs to be done to improve tourism but it seems its just a lot of political lip service but little action, then it takes FOREVER to finish anything....like the airport or hospital and the gov does NOT take legit outside good opinion for very well. It's sad because the jobs needed for food for SXM families , opportunity and money the island is losing huge. The island is very busy however...we all know traffic is a mess. SXM could have the best of about everything...if only. IMO

I agree foreversxm. The airport alone is a huge problem.
When we arrived last December, there were guys pulling luggage off the carousel to allow other bags to come in. But there was no communication about where bags were. It was a mess.
And leaving on a Saturday? What a nightmare!
I love St Maarten. But this airport thing makes me cringe everytime I think about having to deal with it.

Hello All,
I would also say that the cost of flying to SXM compared other destinations is also a factor .

Lots of valid reasons. I am here now and it is not at all busy, regardless of how many ships are in port. Traffic out of town and back to Simpson Bay was actually worse the Wed. when 6 ships were here. Probably with no ships in port today, no tours, no taxi service needed the locals were on the road, shopping, running errands, etc. Philipsburg has many vacant store fronts on Front St. and I would guess Back St. to have about 50% vacant store fronts. I have never seen town as dead as the two times I have been there on this trip.

For me, air price and availability are the biggest deterrent. Throw in the US stock market and the continuing out of control inflation and it is not a good combination. There were times in the past I was here 2 and 3 times a year but the cost of the trip, the airport mess and lack of good air options is a deal breaker.

Like most politicians, I imagine the ones here are as out of touch as what we have at home. Lip service reigns supreme.

Jeff_C - You are soooo!!! right, air faes have gone crazy !

"For me, air price and availability are the biggest deterrent. Throw in the US stock market and the continuing out of control inflation and it is not a good combination. There were times in the past I was here 2 and 3 times a year but the cost of the trip, the airport mess and lack of good air options is a deal breaker."
So true. Do yourself a favor and don't look at the Stock Market while there. You'll come back ready for an AA meeting.

The airlines are killing SXM. I know of 3 couples in the Boston area who have canceled their SXM vacations and gone to Aruba instead. Not only are the flights to Aruba cheaper, but they are much more convenient. I know we are fortunate with several air carriers out of Logan - but connecting times of 8, 9, or even 10 hours are not unusual anymore. And of course the ridiculous delays repairing PJA aren't helping the situation.

None of my family is coming this year due to airline prices. I'm desperately looking for deals to no avail. I have got to be back in the states in June!