Sensational St. Maarten Savings package extended to Dec. 31, SAVE UP TO $1,700 ON Select Hotels! (Offer Includes $50 “SXM Bucks” Spending Money Per Day).

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten (Nov. 30, 2009) – As a result of the overwhelming positive consumer response, the island-wide SensAAtional St. MAArten Savings winter promotion has been extended with the booking deadline now Dec. 31, 2009.  This will allow travelers to take advantage of discounts of up to 25% off nightly room rates at select hotels, plus $50 per day credit, per room booked, in the form of  “SXM Bucks” to be used at participating restaurants, casinos, car rentals, shops, spas and attractions, resulting in up to $1,700 in savings on a one-week vacation.

Offer valid on bookings made by Dec. 31, 2009 for a minimum of four nights, for travel Dec. 1, 2009 through April 15, 2010.

“In the current economic climate, travelers are looking for added-value when planning their next vacation,” said Frans Richardson, Commissioner of Tourism & Economic Affairs, Aviation and Sports for St. Maarten. “With SXM bucks, visitors have the ability to earn money during their stay so that they can enjoy many of the island local establishments.”

SensAAtional St. MAArten Savings participating hotels include Belair Beach Hotel, Coral Beach Club, Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Princess Heights, Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa and Wyndham Sapphire Beach Resort.  Horizon View Beach Hotel, Joshua Rose Guest House and Turquoise Shell Inn are participating in the promotion with up to 25% off rates only.

For more information about the SensAAtional St. MAArten Savings, “SXM Bucks,” and participating hotels read the full article OR visit St. Maarten Official Site.

St. Maarten continues to assist travelers during these hard economic times by making it more affordable to vacation on the Dutch side of the island with the launch of a SensAAtional St. MAArten Savings winter promotion affording discounts up to 25% off nightly room rates at select hotels, plus $50 per day credit, per room booked, in the form of  “SXM Bucks” to be used at participating restaurants, casinos, car rentals, shops, spas and attractions, resulting in up to $1,700 in savings on a one-week vacation.

Offer valid on bookings made by Nov. 30, 2009 for a minimum of four nights, for travel Dec. 1, 2009 through April 15, 2010.

“In the current economic climate, travelers are looking for added-value when planning their next vacation,” said Frans Richardson, Commissioner of Tourism & Economic Affairs, Aviation and Sports for St. Maarten. “With SXM bucks, visitors have the ability to earn money during their stay so that they can enjoy many of the island local establishments.”

SensAAtional St. MAArten Savings participating hotels include Belair Beach Hotel, Coral Beach Club, Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Princess Heights, Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa and Wyndham Sapphire Beach Resort.  Horizon View Beach Hotel, Joshua Rose Guest House and Turquoise Shell Inn are participating in the promotion with up to 25% off rates only.

Guests will receive the $50 “SXM Bucks” upon arrival based on the number of days they are staying.  “SXM Bucks” can be redeemed up to one year from date of issue.  The variety of booking discounts are valid at select hotels for travel through Dec. 1, 2009 through April 15, 2010.  Certain restrictions apply.

The $50 “SXM Bucks” per day spending credit can be used at the following retailers:

• Restaurants: Antoine’s, Pineapple Pete, Ric’s Place, Saratoga, Beau Beau’s, Fusion, Infinity, Islan Flava, The Tides Restaurant, La Cucina, Molasses and Sopranos Restaurant
• Shops: AMA Jewelers, Ballerina Jewelers, Bedazzled Jewelers, Caribbean Gems, Diamonds International, Lucky Too Gift Shop, Lucky Too Jewelers, Shipwreck Shops, St. Maarten Guavaberry, Effy Collection and Tanzanite International
• Casinos:  Casino Royale, Diamond Casino, Golden Casino
• Spas: Good Life Spa, Indulgence by the Sea, The Spa and Vitality Oasis Spa
• Attractions:  Aqua Mania Adventures, Exquisite Water Sports, Xaro Tours, Atlantis Adventures and 12 Metre Challenge
• Car Rentals:  Best Deal, Hertz, U-Save, Value, Avis and Rolex

For more information about the SensAAtional St. MAArten Savings, “SXM Bucks,” and participating hotels visit St. Maarten Official site.

The SHTA will be organizing its first General Membership Meeting since the start of its Association year. The event, which will focus on the State of the Economy, will feature a keynote address by Dr. Emsley Tromp of the Central Bank.

In his speech given earlier this year, Dr. Tromp echoed the SHTA’s predictions on the effects of the global financial crisis and gave recommendations to safeguard our fragile tourism based economy. Based on the recent claims that the worst part of the crisis is over and there is no longer a need to be proactive, the SHTA thought it an appropriate opportunity to invite Dr. Tromp to share his views.

Following his address is a panel discussion, where 4 different sectors (Hotel / Trade / Marine / Restaurant) will each give a short presentation on their current situations. This will initiate a think tank session resulting in ‘call to action’ recommendations outlining the roles and responsibilities for both private and public sector.

Special invitations have been extended to the Island Council and several department heads.

The SHTA hopes to see its membership and invited dignitaries come out and partake in this highly important event.

Date: Friday October 23, 2009
Time: 5:00 – 7:30 pm
Place: Great Bay Beach Resort