SINT MAARTEN, PHILIPSBURG – All aboard SXM! The Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) is part of the “Destination Sint Maarten/Saint Martin United” Superyacht Pavilion at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS).
FLIBS is taking place from October 27-31 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at the Bahai Mar Yachting Club, and is considered the largest in-water boat show in the world.
This is the first time ever that members of the yachting industry from the North and South sides of the island will be participating in FLIBS in a united manner. The French side Tourist Office is also part and parcel of this strategic collaboration.
“The united front presented by the islands yachting and tourism sectors is commendable, as both sides of the island have one goal in mind and that is presenting a holistic image and brand of the marine sector.
“The attendance of FLIBS allows our yachting sector stakeholders to renew contacts with superyacht brokers and charter companies and provide updates about the destination and our marine facilities with respect to the upcoming 2021-2022 tourism season.
“At the same time, the destination via its marine sector partners and stakeholders, get the opportunity to learn and be informed of the latest trends and developments in the superyacht industry.
“Sint Maarten/Saint Martins yachting sector have a winning formula for success and we are all looking forward to a very busy season ahead,” Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Hon. Roger Lawrence said on Wednesday.
STB says that the united front presented at FLIBS will benefit the island and profile it as one yachting destination for the upcoming high tourism season, leading to new and additional business for the 2021-2022 yachting season.
STB commends all stakeholders for coming together and presenting a united front which is very important when promoting the destination abroad and at various international hospitality and tourism shows and conferences.
FLIBS is celebrating its 62nd anniversary this year. The Superyacht Village and marina will feature vessels nearly 300 feet. Each boat show attracts thousands of marine enthusiasts who visit the various exhibitions and attractions. The show brings together manufacturers, brokers, marine service professionals among others.
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, more than 310,000 new powerboats were sold in 2020 sale figures that the recreational boating industry has not seen since before the recession in 2008.
