PHILIPSBURG – The 15th Sint Maarten/Saint Martin Annual Regional Trade Show (SMART) is slated for June 14-16, 2017, hosted by both the Dutch and French side of the island of Sint Maarten / Saint Martin. This fact was announced today by L’Association des Hoteliers de St. Martin (AHSM), St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) in conjunction with the Saint-Martin Tourism Office and the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau. Even though both sides have always closely cooperated on this regional Sint Maarten / Saint Martin trade event, it will be the first time both sides will co-host at the same time. The co-hosting builds on years of perfect cooperation between the four partners within the two countries.

SMART is the event where the region comes together once again to support, interact and promote tourism to the Island. The four partners are expecting numerous Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Travel Writers, and Event Planners from the US, Canada, Europe, and Latin America to return to the island for this important event.

The tradeshow provides a unique opportunity for local and regional hoteliers and activity providers to present their tourism product, network and negotiate prospective business opportunities.  In addition to the pre-organized appointments, throughout the trade show, participants may also set up additional appointments.

SMART 2017 kicks off on Wednesday  June 14th, 2017 when delegates have the opportunity to meet and mingle with their peers at the Welcome Reception, before a full day of business where participants have set up appointments with travel partners and wholesalers as well as hotel and excursion operations for one-on-one discussions on potential business ventures.

Although an impressive and memorable Farewell party will be held on Thursday evening the venue will stay open through Friday with workshops and guest speakers.

In addition to Sint Maarten / Saint Martin, other islands attending this event have included Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Guadeloupe, Montserrat, Saba, St. Barth’s, Statia, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Barbados. It has become a very significant event for the entire region in recent years, one that should not be missed.

Last year’s SMART did not take place due to various countries organizing their events at the same time. To prevent this from reoccurring, the organizers took the initiative with the Caribbean Hotel and Trade Association (CHTA) to coordinate Caribbean marketing events to make sure all destinations have the ability to showcase their hospitality and trade.

Registration forms and details will be available on the SHTA website www.shta.com or by contacting the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association via email at office@shta.com or by phone at 542-0108, Monday to Friday.