G Adventures Founder Named Keynote Speaker for 2026 Caribbean Hospitality Forum

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.

El Setai St. Maarten, a luxury resort development located at Indigo Bay, is projected to generate approximately 60 executive and mid-level management positions based on the island when it opens in 2028. These roles are expected to cover corporate services and senior operational management for the property. The announcement signals a significant employment opportunity for St. Maarten's professional workforce, particularly in the hospitality and business administration sectors. The project represents a notable addition to St. Maarten's tourism infrastructure, which has been rebuilding since the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017. A resort of this caliber attracting high-paying management roles locally — rather than importing them entirely from abroad — could have a meaningful economic impact on the island. The 2028 timeline suggests the development is still in its construction or pre-opening phase, with recruitment efforts likely to ramp up in the coming years.