On Thursday November 6th, the four historic partners of the St. Maarten / St. Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART) officially began the eight-month runway to its 18th edition, taking place June 22nd–26th, 2026. The venue was held at Grand Case Beach Club’s new Moonrise Bar, with representatives of the four primary organizing bodies: Office du Tourisme (ODT), St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), Club du Tourisme, and the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA). Partners were presented with The Smart 2026 Proposal outlining the 2026 tradeshow.
Over its 25-year history, SMART has grown to become the largest tourism tradeshow in the Northeastern Caribbean, with representatives from 29 countries and territories attending the five-day event. In addition to the uniquely bi-national character at the core of SMART, many other Caribbean destinations—both small and large—take part annually.
President Valérie Damaseau of the Office de Tourisme de St. Martin thanked Grand Case Beach Club for hosting the kick-off event and stated: “SMART shows that if we stand together, both sides of the island and public and private sector, how far we can get. Save the dates have already been sent out; it is important local stakeholders get and understand what SMART is about and take part.”
This year, the partners are working with the longest preparation period in more than a decade. Many participants are already taking advantage of the new “Chirp First Early Bird Campaign,” which provides added benefits on top of discounted enrollment fees for early suppliers and vendors. Half of the available tradeshow booths have already been reserved during this campaign. As always, the tradeshow highlights its “vendor category” booths, designed for companies supplying or interested in supplying products or services to the tourism sector in St. Maarten / St. Martin and beyond.
Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten of the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) stated “ It is truly an honor to stand here today representing the Government of Sint Maarten regarding this proposal. SMART has always embodied the best of what our island represents two nations, one people, united by a shared vision of progress and partnership. This collaboration between our French and Dutch sides is not only about tourism; it’s about trust, teamwork, and the understanding that when we work together, the entire island benefits. As we continue to grow SMART, we strengthen our ability to showcase our island as one destination, diverse, dynamic, and full of opportunity. Let today be a reminder that our unity is our greatest asset, and together, we will keep building a brighter, stronger, and smarter St. Maarten/St. Martin”
Last week, JW Marriott St. Maarten was announced as the prestigious host location for the 2026 edition of SMART. The June 22–26 2026 event will be the first hosted at the Dawn Beach luxury resort, which opened only a few years ago. In addition to the four main partners and the confirmed “Chirp First” buyers, suppliers, and vendors, numerous private sector partners have already pledged support for the 2026 tradeshow. Confirmed supporters include ShowMeCaribbean, Rainforest Adventure Park, Grand Case Beach Club, Winair, Port St. Maarten Group of Companies, CC1 St. Maarten, BookingSuccess, Grant Thornton, Vin de Plage St. Martin Wine, the island of Saba, and SnapSXM.
JW Marriott is offering competitive accommodation rates for tradeshow attendees in the buyer, supplier, and vendor categories via the event website: shta.com/SMART. The site also includes information on car rental benefits, regional air travel discounts, and enrollment details for prospective participants.
The “Chirp First Early Bird” period ends December 1st, while the general Early Bird discounted registration continues through January 31st. For additional inquiries, please contact office@SHTA.com or call +1 (721) 542-0108.
SMART Partners Officially Kick Off Road to the 2026 Edition
