St. Eustatius Targets Canadian Travelers at Ottawa 55+ Lifestyle Show

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has announced that Bruce Poon Tip, founder of adventure travel company G Adventures, will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2026 Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF). The event is scheduled to take place in Barbados from November 16 to 18, 2026. CHIEF is designed to equip Caribbean hospitality leaders with practical strategies, peer insights, and expert knowledge to help strengthen their businesses and navigate future industry challenges. Poon Tip is a globally recognized entrepreneur known for pioneering sustainable and community-based tourism through G Adventures, making him a relevant and high-profile voice for the region's travel sector. The announcement was made from Miami, Florida, where CHTA is headquartered. The forum represents a key annual gathering for hotel and tourism professionals across the Caribbean, offering networking and professional development opportunities. The selection of Poon Tip signals a focus on innovative, sustainability-driven approaches to tourism growth in the region.

The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten has installed a new environmental awareness sign in the arrivals area of Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) as part of its 'Keep the Reef Off the Runway' campaign. The initiative is funded by the CITES Secretariat and aims to educate incoming visitors about the illegal collection and trafficking of protected marine species, such as coral and shells, from Sint Maarten's beaches and reefs. The sign targets travelers at the point of entry, a strategic location designed to set expectations before visitors even reach the island's natural areas. The campaign reflects growing concern across the Caribbean about the removal of marine life as souvenirs, a practice that contributes to reef degradation. By engaging tourists at the airport, the Nature Foundation hopes to reduce the unknowing — and sometimes knowing — transport of protected wildlife off the island. The effort aligns with Sint Maarten's broader commitments under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). No fines or enforcement measures were announced alongside the signage initiative.

Makayla Cooks, a young woman from St. Maarten, has been selected by the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) to participate in its 2026 Young Women's Mentorship Initiative. The announcement was celebrated by the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT), Hon. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, who publicly congratulated Cooks on the achievement. The FCCA's mentorship program is designed to empower and develop young women in the Caribbean with ties to the cruise and tourism industry. Cooks' selection represents a notable recognition of St. Maarten talent on a regional stage. The program is expected to provide her with professional guidance, networking opportunities, and industry exposure at a high level. Minister Heyliger-Marten's endorsement underscores the government's support for youth development within the island's core tourism sector.