Sixth annual SMART
opens at Westin Resort
DAWN BEACH--Protecting the environment and promoting the Caribbean through its colourful tapestry of artists were recurring themes at the opening of the sixth annual St. Maarten/St. Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART) at The Westin St. Maarten Dawn Beach Resort and Spa Wednesday evening.
Lt. Governor Franklyn Richards declared the tradeshow open. It is attended by representatives of 53 hotels and activities in the Northeastern Caribbean, 21 tour operators’ representatives and press members from Brazil, Chile, Argentina and the United States.
Richards stressed the importance of preserving the region’s environment, especially in light of increasing activities to halt global warming, and encouraged delegates to do their part for the planet.
President of the French side Tourist Office Romeo Fleming echoed Richards’ sentiments on the environment. Taking care of the region’s beauty which draws visitors to the Caribbean is good business sense, as a bad product is not marketable, he said.
Artist Roland Richardson, who was recently knighted by Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands, was the guest speaker at the opening reception, hosted by The Westin. Richardson’s paintings have promoted both sides of the island for many years.
Richardson told the gathering that the energy of the Caribbean is in its art. By promoting its art, the Caribbean has a truly creative voice to attract people to the region to enjoy its delights and wonders, he said.
His achievements and work embody of the island’s unity while his creativity is a testament to the Caribbean spirit, SMART coordinator Robert Durbourq said.
SMART also has an environmental theme following in the wake of Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA) Marketplace in Aruba. The tradeshow’s theme “SMART Goes Green” was a prompt to delegates to think more about the environment. Another environmental item was a bookmark with various tips on how to conserve energy, cut down on greenhouse gases and save money. The bookmarks were made by students of Learning Unlimited School.
The tradeshow will be in full swing at the resort today, Thursday and Friday, with hoteliers meeting with buyers who will be looking to snap up rooms and activities. The closing reception is set for Le Domaine in Anse Marcel.
SMART is a product of St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, French side Tourist Office, St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association and Association des Hotels de St. Martin. (Alita Singh)
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