Commodore Suites on St. Maarten welcomed its first international hotel guests
today following the relaxation of government regulations. According to its Hotel
General Manager Arnaldo Phelipa: “the nature and therefore future of the
Caribbean travel industry is about to change – for the better.”
Closed for the last three months, the thirty-roomed Commodore Suites in St.
Maarten’s Simpson Bay area has reopened its doors to coincide with the
reopening of Princess Juliana International Airport. “It is great to see the
reawakening of this vital communications hub,” Phelipa remarks. “However, the
travel industry in the Caribbean needs more than an airlift and a facelift to
survive the next critical twelve months,“ he insists. “Job seekers at home are
not sun seekers abroad.”
“The good news is that hoteliers in the region have not wasted their time
during lockdown. Empty hotel rooms have opened up the possibility of
serious sanitation, staff education and structural renovation.”
“Additional measures at Commodore Suites comprise electric fogging to
sanitize each room between check-out and check-in. Moreover, Covid care
measures are posted throughout the building. Renovation improvements
include a rooftop exercise pool with jacuzzi, outdoor gym and barbecue center.”
Phelipa recognizes that family incomes have suffered everywhere in the world
and that the holiday purse is all but empty. “Faith in cut price airlines,
worthless travel insurance and mass online homestays has gone.”
“Caribbean vacationers will now want quality for slighly more money rather
than uncertain comfort for a lot less money. The market decides but signs are
that customers will think twice about choosing a destination only for its
beaches, bars and beefburgers. They will expect a more interesting and
personal experience. The Caribbean with its vibrant culture and community fits
the bill perfectly.”
Walter Hellebrand, local historian on St. Eustatius (“the Historical Gem”)
agrees. “The tourism sum of the parts is greater than the whole. Each island in
the North East Caribbean has much to offer. Our assets are spectacular nature
above and below the waves, fascinating history that sparkles the imagination
and people that bloom with pride and passion. We have a million stories to
share but they have to be told.”
To satisfy such an appeal, Commodore Suites has partnered with like-minded
hotels on sister islands St. Eustatius and Saba to offer vacation packages.
“Other premier hotels in the region have successfully marketed this approach
for several years.” says Phelipa. “The immediate challenge for the Caribbean
travel industry and the tourism authorities is to rebrand the destination.
Silence is not an option since the industry has a great future!”
