The primary function of the Department is to “formulate, implement, monitor and evaluate the socio-economic policies of the Island Territory of St. Maarten with the ultimate purpose of stimulating economic growth and development”. More Info

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The main tasks of the Department are to advise the Executive Council on request for business, director'sand other licenses and to control all economic regulations. More Info

The Control, Inspection and Security department ensures the execution of Government’s policies and laws pertaining to More Info

As an island nation whose economy is based on one industry - tourism - it is of the utmost importance that every visitor - either virtual or real -- to St. Maarten has a positive and memorable experience. An experience that leaves you wanting more as you browse the web, just as you might want one or two days more at the end of your vacation stay.
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Welcome to the Official website of the Sector Economy & Tourism.

We hope you will find valuable information on the island of St. Maarten, its government, economy and most importantly we trust you will be encouraged to make a lifetime investment with us!

Welcome to St. Maarten
In 1994 the Island Government of St. Maarten made a historical organizational reform by adapting the Sector Model Organizational structure. This reformation transformed the government from a unilateral organizational structure where all Departments were on the same level to a grouping of various departments. A total of five sectors were established of which the Sector Economy & Tourism forms a part.

The Economy & Tourism umbrella employs approximately 140 civil servants across four departments, namely:

Department of Economic Policy & Research (DEPR)
Tourist Bureau (STB)
Department of Permits, Licenses & Economic Control (VOSEC)
Department of Control, Inspection & Security (CIB)

The mission of the Sector is to promote a sustainable development of the economy of St. Maarten. An optimal labour force, good working relations & conditions stand central in this matter. Furthermore the initiating, stimulating, guiding, monitoring and implementing of laws and regulations within the framework of a balanced economic development as well as promoting and facilitating economic diversification and tourism on St. Maarten.

The underlying theme of the Sector is to approach St. Maarten’s economic development and survival base on a comprehensive policy approach. The point-of-departure is therefore an integrated, synchronized and managed growth approach of the island’s scarce resources (i.e. land, labour and capital).

The ultimate goal is to improve the economic life of all citizens while still being able to position St. Maarten to effectively and successfully compete on the global marketplace.