PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – October 3, 2025 – The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) convened more than 100 members of the island’s business and tourism community on Thursday evening at SXM Padel for a networking mixer sponsored by CC1. The highlight of the evening was a presentation by Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), detailing its winter airlift schedule and outlook for the 2025–2026 high season and highlighting the new “Reef to Runway” Nature Foundation campaign that is broadly supported by the business community.
The yearly update by Princess Juliana International Airport is a key fixture on SHTA’s calendar and provided attendees with valuable insights to align airline schedules with hotel, activity, and marketing planning—helping the private sector prepare for a successful season ahead.
In addition to the air service updates, PJIA shared its support for the “Reef to Runway” campaign, led by the Nature Foundation St. Maarten that has already garnering widespread support in the business community. The initiative aims to reduce the removal of seashells and corals by visitors, protecting the island’s marine ecosystems and natural coastal defenses. SHTA highlighted the campaign’s importance, noting its alignment with sustainable tourism goals emphasized during World Tourism Day.
SHTA extended its gratitude to PJIA for the informative presentation, and warmly thanked SXM Padel and CC1 for hosting an evening that fostered networking, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue between industry stakeholders.
The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) continues its decades long tradition of bringing members together through its bimonthly mixers blending business and community in a relaxed social setting. The recent mixer hosted at SXM Padel Club exemplified this spirit, offering members the opportunity to invite decision makers and first-time visitors to experience a vibrant local business while engaging in open discussions on key topics such as the new PJIA schedule and industry updates. These mixers not only foster valuable networking among leaders across sectors but also allow host venues to showcase their facilities and hospitality. Networking, collaboration, and shared insight remain core to the SHTA mission, strengthening the collective voice and connection of St. Maarten’s business community.