The post-hurricanes Caribbean
St Maarten's Marine Trade Association launches new website to inform industry stakeholders…
The St Maarten Marine Trades Association has launched a new website - www.caribbeanyachtingupdate2017.com - with the aim of disseminating accurate, objective and up-to-date information to superyacht market stakeholders in order to create a realistic picture of travelling in the Caribbean this season and informing on recovery efforts within areas affected by hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria.
“Our goal is to provide a realistic picture to industry stakeholders so each person can make the decision that is right for them. I don’t want to convince a charter guest to pass through St Maarten under the proviso that there is no destruction, because that is just not the case,” explains Norina Edelman, managing director of FKG Yacht Rigging & Marine Fabricating. “However, if a charter guest is happy to go anchor, let’s say in St Maarten, and then head out to St Bart’s, which is something that we often saw, then it is not a problem.”
At present, a number of yacht owners, charter guests, charter brokers, captains and managers are in the process of making itinerary decision for the winter season, the website is designed to assist in the decision-making process by providing verified condition reports on everything from airports, marinas and port openings to the transport of good, yacht services, hotels and restaurants.
Some islands are completely unscathed and others are working hard to rebuild after suffering quite significantly. The website will communicate what is open and available as well as what services and facilities are reduced or closed. Requests for status reports have been sent to colleagues on every island and as information is received it will be posted. Evolving progress will be updated weekly.
Yachting represents one of the most important economic drivers for the region. The continued sustainability of this sector requires that each visiting yacht, guest, captain and crew has a positive Caribbean experience. Diffusion of accurate information is required to accomplish this goal and we are committed to providing a portal that will meet this need.
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria the humanitarian needs in the Eastern Caribbean are profound. IGY Marinas, the luxury marina specialists, have sponsored the creation of a relief fund to raise money for the affected areas. Click here for more information and to donate to a good cause.
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