When is St Maarten reopening for tourism?

May 24, 2020

This post is continuously updated. For the latest information, please read on:

Update June 20, 2020: St Maarten is Reopening on July 1! Click here for the latest update.

Update June 3, 2020: At a Council of Ministers Press Conference today, St Maarten’s Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications announced that the earliest date St Maarten will reopen its borders (and in a phased manner) will be July 1. More details will become available around June 15.

Original post May 24, 2020: “Line up and start making your reservations!” This was the response of the island’s Prime Minister (PM) last week at a virtual press conference. The PM’s hope is to reopen St Maarten to tourism in mid-June.

The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) has been busy reviewing and revising reopening protocols in coordination with the Princess Juliana International Airport and Port of St Maarten. The Minister of TEATT along with her ministry are busy at work preparing the private sector – hoteliers and timeshare resorts, for the opening of St Maarten’s economy in the safest manner possible to receive guests from the North American and regional markets.

In a major new standard of health and safety for resorts on St Maarten, Sonesta St Maarten announced a host of changes in their property operations with the launch of their new PureCare program centered around a “multi-step electrostatic application and coating process that works to kill and prevent future pathogens from living on treated surfaces.” According to Sonesta St Maarten, this approach “has been proven to neutralize and constantly reduce pathogens by >99% on treated surfaces even after routine cleaning.” The PureCare program will be introduced at both the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, Casino and Spa as well as the Sonesta Ocean Point Adults Only Resort. Additional features of the PureCare program include a new mobile check-in experience and social distancing markers placed throughout the properties, restaurants and bars, QR code generated restaurant menus, as well as hygienic welcome amenity kits.

At a second press conference held yesterday, the Prime Minister announced the island has only found 1 new case in the past 24 days, noting this is a “positive result” and that deescalation measures will continue. The Secretary General of TEATT said that a revised presentation of the reopening plan for the airport was presented, and that all parties involved were happy with it. While there are still several logistical points to be worked out, it was also noted that serology tests will be purchased for the airport and port, to tests employees, taxi drivers and persons entering the island. Phase 4 of the St Maarten Economic Recovery Plan is scheduled to go into effect from June 15.

While there is no official word on the exact reopening date of St Maarten for tourism, we anticipate an answer soon. Keep an eye on our website, and join our Facebook community of Travelers who love St Maarten for the latest updates and news on travel to St Maarten.

If you’re looking for a place to stay on the island, you’re at the right place. Here are some of the best places to stay on St Maarten. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

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