St maarten news

Here are some recent news articles and updates from St. Maarten:

Tourism

• St. Maarten's tourism industry is showing signs of recovery after a challenging 2020. According to the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA), the island welcomed 1.2 million visitors in 2022, a 25% increase from the previous year. (Source: The Daily Herald)
• The island's Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) has been named one of the top 10 airports in the Caribbean by Travel + Leisure magazine. (Source: St. Maarten News)

Economy

• St. Maarten's government has announced plans to implement a new tax regime aimed at stimulating economic growth and reducing the island's reliance on tourism. The new tax system is expected to come into effect in 2023. (Source: The Daily Herald)
• The St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) has approved a loan of $10 million to support the development of a new hotel project in the island's capital, Philipsburg. (Source: St. Maarten News)

Infrastructure

• Work has begun on a major infrastructure project to upgrade the island's main highway, the A1 highway. The project is expected to take several years to complete and will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. (Source: The Daily Herald)
• The St. Maarten Government has announced plans to build a new cruise ship terminal at the island's port. The new terminal is expected to be completed in 2024 and will be able to accommodate larger cruise ships. (Source: St. Maarten News)

Weather

• St. Maarten was hit by a tropical storm in October 2022, causing widespread damage and power outages. The island is still recovering from the storm, with many residents still without electricity or running water. (Source: The Daily Herald)
• The island is also experiencing a drought, with water levels in the island's reservoirs at historic lows. The government has implemented water rationing measures to conserve water. (Source: St. Maarten News)

Other News

• St. Maarten's national football team has qualified for the Caribbean Cup, a major regional football tournament. The team will compete against other Caribbean nations in the tournament, which is scheduled to take place in 2023. (Source: St. Maarten News)
• The island's annual Carnival celebrations took place in March 2023, with thousands of people attending the colorful parades and parties. (Source: The Daily Herald)