Preparations underway for activities to mark Caribbean Tourism Day 

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PHILIPSBURG – Caribbean Tourism Day (CTD) is observed across the Region annually on November 3rd or the first Tuesday of November.

Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, has planned a number of activities throughout the month of November to profile the importance of the tourism sector to the economy.

On November 2nd the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau will be relaunching its Safety Tip Brochure. This brochure contains various tips that ensures the countries visitors have a safe and memorable vacation on the island with the intention that they return for another holiday.

On November 3rd there will be a check presentation to the winners of the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Poster Competition which was coordinated by the Tourist Bureau.  The annual poster competition coordination is part of the Tourist Bureau’s Annual Tourism Awareness Program targeting the in-school population.

The FCCA Poster Competition seeks to promote and stimulate environmental awareness among Caribbean students, while effectively educating the country’s younger generation on the importance of environmental protection.

On November 3rd, Live Steel Pan music will be played at both ports of entry, Port St. Maarten and at SXM Airport for arriving guests and passengers.  This is to extend a warm welcome to the country’s arriving visitors in commemoration of Caribbean Tourism Day.

Guavaberry Tasting courtesy of Guavaberry Emporium will take place on November 3rd at SXM Airport.

On November 4th, the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau will be participating in the Milton Peters College St. Maarten Career & Study Fair 2015 which takes place at the Belair Community Center in Cay Hill.

An Awards Dinner Ceremony is scheduled for November 14th to recognize and encourage tourism related businesses and industry workers in the hospitality sector and thank them for their outstanding achievements on a daily basis.

A Historical School Tour for secondary school students is scheduled for November 18th to generate greater awareness to the student population about discovering the ‘now and then’ iconic landmarks of St. Maarten, its culture and people.

On November 22nd, walk for Tourism Walk-a-thon is planned with the aim of creating greater public awareness and understanding for the importance of tourism while preserving a healthy society.  Local businesses are encouraged to wear their company’s T-shirts in support of this tourism awareness initiative.

A number of young professionals working in the area of tourism will also be profiled during the course of the month of November.

The Tourist Bureau will also carry out ‘Tourism Awareness Presentations’ at primary and secondary schools throughout the month of November.  The objective is to educate the student population about the importance of tourism as the main economic driver of the local economy and to enlighten them about possible careers in tourism.

A Public Service Announcement (PSA) competition will be held amongst the secondary schools to develop the best 10 PSAs reminding the public at large about the importance of Tourism i.e. ‘Tourism is Everybody Business.’

Congratulatory banners will be placed at strategic locations throughout the country congratulating visitors and residents on the occasion of Caribbean Tourism Day/Month.