Heyliger-Marten Highlights Carnival season readiness, visitor arrivals, business participation

GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten on Wednesday delivered broad remarks on Carnival-related matters, using the opportunity to address the public, the business community, event promoters, and visitors as the country enters one of its most visible and economically active periods of the year.

Her remarks focused on responsible celebration, visitor experience, business participation, consumer awareness, and Government’s wider effort to use Carnival not only as a cultural celebration, but also as a platform to strengthen tourism, stimulate business activity, and deepen national branding (also see related article).

The Minister said Carnival continues to stand as one of St. Maarten’s strongest cultural and economic assets, one that creates opportunities across multiple sectors while putting the island’s creativity, hospitality, and identity on display. She said Government views the season as far more than a series of events, describing it instead as a major national moment in which culture, commerce, tourism, and community all intersect.

Visitor Arrivals Already Showing Encouraging Signs

Heyliger-Marten said there are already visible signs that Carnival travel is beginning to pick up, with visitors arriving on the island in connection with the season. She described the early movement as encouraging and said it reflects the continued drawing power of Carnival as a destination event.

According to the Minister, these arrivals matter not only for the direct enjoyment of festivities, but also for what they mean for the wider economy. Visitor arrivals during Carnival have a ripple effect through transportation, accommodations, food and beverage, entertainment, retail, and a range of small and medium-sized businesses that benefit from increased activity.

She said the country should see this as an opportunity to once again show visitors what makes St. Maarten distinctive, not only through organized events, but also through the warmth of its people and the overall quality of the visitor experience.

Public Encouraged to Support Events Responsibly

The Minister encouraged the public to support Carnival-related activities both inside and outside Carnival Village, while doing so responsibly and with consideration for public safety and the well-being of others.

She said Carnival should remain rooted in culture, unity, and togetherness, and called on the community to enjoy the season in a way that reflects positively on the country. Her message pointed to the need for celebration to go hand in hand with personal responsibility, particularly during a season that brings larger crowds, increased traffic, and a heavier public schedule of events.

Heyliger-Marten said the enjoyment of the season is strengthened when patrons, promoters, vendors, and the wider community all do their part to help keep the environment safe, welcoming, and orderly.

Residents and Businesses Urged to Be Strong Ambassadors for St. Maarten

Heyliger-Marten said that with more visitors arriving, the country must remain mindful of the role residents and businesses play in shaping how St. Maarten is experienced and remembered.

She urged the public to be welcoming and to act as proper ambassadors for the country. In her remarks, she suggested that every point of contact matters, from the initial arrival experience to the atmosphere visitors encounter in commercial districts, public spaces, and event venues.

She said the objective should be for guests to leave with a strong and favorable impression of the island, built not only on the events they attend, but also on the energy, courtesy, and hospitality they encounter throughout their stay.

Carnival Described as a Time for the Business Community to Shine

The Minister said the Carnival season offers a major opportunity for the business community and residents alike. She described it as a period when visitors encounter the island at its most vibrant, through music, food, hospitality, and the creativity of its people.

She called on businesses, large and small, to fully embrace the season and make a visible effort to contribute to that atmosphere. Businesses were encouraged to decorate storefronts, brighten commercial spaces, and help create an environment that is lively, festive, and distinctly representative of St. Maarten.

According to Heyliger-Marten, this is not only about visual appeal. It is also about building a fuller visitor experience and ensuring that the spirit of Carnival is felt beyond the event grounds themselves. She suggested that businesses have a direct role to play in shaping the mood of the island during the season, and in doing so can help reinforce St. Maarten’s image as a welcoming and dynamic destination.

Appeal to Businesses Not to Add to Public Financial Pressure

Against that backdrop, the Minister also spoke directly to the business community about pricing and consumer responsibility during the Carnival period. She acknowledged that global price increases are real and that people are already feeling the burden in daily life.

At the same time, she made the case that Carnival should not become a period when those burdens are made heavier. The Minister called on businesses to act responsibly and suggested that the season should be approached in a way that balances commercial opportunity with social awareness.

Her message pointed to a broader concern that while Carnival can drive strong spending and business activity, that activity should not come at the expense of residents and families who are already coping with rising prices. The Minister framed this as an issue not only of economics, but of fairness and shared responsibility during a major national celebration.

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