SIMPSON BAY – The St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the largest private business representative on the island, gave a financial sponsorship contribution of $5,000 to the 2015 Heineken Regatta. The sponsorship is their yearly contribution towards the event, made possible by SHTA’s Dollar-A-Day Fund.

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is one of the major events for the island. Annually, this event draws competitors, supporters and sailing enthusiasts from around the world to experience the island’s hospitality & friendliness.

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is an internationally renowned sailing event, known as the biggest regatta in the Caribbean. It generates media interest from around the world, putting St. Maarten on the map as a destination with wonderful sailing ambiances.

In addition, the organization promotes St. Maarten as a destination, focusing not only on sailing, but highlighting all other aspects that the island has to offer, like fine dining, active nightlife, tax-free shopping, nature and beaches made possible by the Regatta’s night time activities and parties. As a result, not only does the marine industry benefit from this event, but also the entire economy of St. Maarten.

“Every year the SHTA is enthused and honored to contribute to such a large scale event that puts our island in such a positive lime light. By supporting the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta each year, the SHTA feels that their contribution will have a constructive impact on the hospitality & tourism industry, which in turn benefits the entire island; which is what the association is all about,” said Executive Director, Karen Hana.

“The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta started as a small, local sailing event and in 35 years, has become the largest regatta in the Caribbean, attracting sailors and visitors from all around the world. All of the sudden we realized how important it was to promote not just sailing, but the island. Our followers are not just the sailors anymore; we have a great following of tourists and volunteers who book their vacations every year during the Regatta. By working with organizations such as the SHTA we can actually do a better job at promoting the island as a destination.

They represent the businesses and hotels on the island, and have a far better idea of how we can extend our reach. We always say it takes the entire island to throw a party this big, and without the local companies and organizations we would not be able to host such an immense event.”- said Michele Korteweg, Regatta Director.

For over three decades, the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has showcased the top boats and sailing competitions and has become equally famous for its topnotch slate of parties and musical entertainment in the Caribbean. The Heineken Regatta is recognized by sailors and visitors from around the world as one of the best regattas, and each year the event lives up to it’s worthy motto: Serious Fun!

The SHTA is dedicated to bringing quality to all aspects of life on St. Maarten by promoting sustainable economic development for its members in cooperation with the social partners and the creation of a fair marketplace. For more information please contact our offices at 542-0108 or visit our website atwww.shta.com.For full information on the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, including results, photos, videos, party, band information, and much, much more, visit www.heinekenregatta.com. (SHTA)

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