Destination promotion
to start in Netherlands
~ Summer Push with AA approved ~
PHILIPSBURG--St. Maarten will soon have direct public relations and marketing representation in the Netherlands via a firm called InterRep B.V. This in the first time in years the island will have an active presence in the European country.
The Executive Council approved an NAf. 805,000 (300,000 euros) for a one-year contract with the firm, Tourism Commissioner Roy Marlin announced at Wednesday’s Executive Council Press Briefing. The Economic Recovery Fund (ERF), which is funded by the one guilder cent per litre gasoline excise, will now enter into a formal contract with the company soon.
The commissioner said that the injection into marketing and promotion in the Netherlands is “small but a start” especially now with the high euro influencing more Europeans to travel to the region where they get more spending power.
Delving into Europe was intense, as possible promotion to create an alternate source market to the United States was a recommendation from Tourism Master Plan (TourMap).
While seeking to increase its presence in Europe, the island will also maintain viability in the United States with a Summer Push along with American Airlines. The goal is to encourage more travellers to head to the island during the low season, June to November.
The Executive Council approved a US $200,000 contribution to the Summer Push. Marlin said the strategies are still being worked out with Private Sector representatives to see if the fund can be enlarged to widen the scope of promotion. The island’s marketing firm in the US, RFC&P will coordinate the marketing effort.
