September 2002 The SHTA submitted its impact report to the 911 Taskforce, installed by government to determine the impact of the terrorist attacks on the United States and the economy of St. Maarten.
August 2002 The St. Maarten Bucks program is launched. The goal of the program is to achieve value-added sales promotions to maintain profitable hotel rates, instead of price discounting. The Bucks are an incentive for visitors to come to St. Maarten and shop, dine, or participate in excursions and activities that are available on the island since the bucks are of no value if not spent and cannot be used on neighboring islands.
August 2002 As a condition for the room-tax decrease, the Dollar-a-Day Program sponsors the Guest Service Excellence course for 20 employees of the participating hotels.
June 2002 Norbert Marrale is employed as Executive Director through an intensive recruiting effort.
March 2002 The total projected value of SHTA supported destination marketing and public relations programs, both finances in cash and kind, for the 2001/2002 Association year amounts to some $750,000, the bulk of which was provided via media barter programs, on-island trade promotions and discount programs.
March 2002 For the Association year 2001/2002, the Dollar-a-Day contribution totaled $95,100.
February 2002 The Business Relief Taskforce was installed by government to study the possibilities for the Island and Federal Government to provide economic relief to the business community in general. The SHTA was represented on this taskforce.
