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St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA
© SHTA
The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association is the largest, private sector business representative on the island, representing a large amount of hospitality and trade companies and associations. The SHTA is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. SHTA’s efforts are aimed to achieve its higher goal of better quality of life for all St. Maarten residents, based on three pillars of a sustainable economy, a healthy and beautiful island and good governance (see for full vision shta.com/vision-2025).
85% of St. Maarten’s GDP is generated by the tourism industry; the main economic pillar of our island. Its three main tourism pillars of stayover tourism, cruise and yachting keep providing new business opportunities. Many SHTA projects serve to enhance the economy.
THE FOUR MAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE ASSOCIATION ARE:
• TOURISM PROMOTION focused on marketing the destination to travel trade professionals and consumers, as well as the local promotion of the importance of tourism for the island of St. Maarten.
• ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT focused on creating, delivering and communicating benefits to member
companies.
• ADVOCACY AND LOBBYING to ensure the rights and interests of the business community and achievements are reflected in sound economic and development policies, social partner cooperation and private and public sector partnership.
• PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT strives for sustainable tourism development by upgrading the quality of life with training and community-focused programs as well as protecting the natural environment. Through its NGO status, the SHTA continues to seek development funds to support these projects.
© SHTA
These activities include Marketing & Destination Promotion, Trade Representation & Advocacy, Product Development & Improvement, Education & Human Resources, Research & Statistics, Sustainability & Environment, Government Cooperation, Local Awareness & Communication, and Policy & Strategic Planning.
Membership Benefits are Business Support, Tradeshow and Marketing Promotion Participation, Regional and International Membership and Representation, SHTA “Dollar-a-Day” Development Fund, Information Distribution and Updates, Networking Events, Conference & Seminars, Member Discounts, Trade and Consumer Website Presence, and the “Visit St. Maarten” in-room and digital publication.
Membership is not limited to businesses on the island; membership is open for all businesses that have direct interest in the economy of St. Maarten.
