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”.
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.
I proudly welcome you to the official website of the Sector Economy & Tourism. The official gateway to general, economic and investor information on St. Maarten. You will also be pleased to find statistical data, as well as a guide through the 4 departments within this sector that are readily on hand to serve you!
The island of St. Maarten has benefited from strong economic growth particularly from 2003 through 2007. Though tourism has remained its main source of income, recent growth was bolstered by significant construction activity and property investments. Foreign investments continue to be quite attractive here on the island as there are few foreign exchange restrictions; we are a duty-free port and are strategically located in the region.
Currently, the primary economic focus is on sustainable managed development that results in a high standard of living for its citizens, especially given the ongoing provisions for St. Maarten to achieve Country status within the Kingdom of The Netherlands.
It is from this premise that the island government of St. Maarten seeks to promote diversification of the economy, specifically in 5 areas: Telecommunications, Financial Services, Marine Sector, Education and Agriculture & Agro-processing. These industries have been identified as priority areas in which investments are highly encouraged. The aim is to continuously stimulate and attract investment activities that are complementary to our well-established tourism industry, require limited migrant labour but rather creates medium to high skilled employment opportunities on the local labour market.
In addition to this, more emphasis is being placed on maintaining a balance between providing incentives in the areas of diversification and the enforcement of control measures as well as overall adherence to regulations on the market.
While browsing our site, we hope you have an enjoyable E-experience within the Sector Economy & Tourism, where you will have access to all information you require and we sincerely hope that you are impressed and motivated to invest!
