PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten – St. Maarten’s Commissioner of Tourism Roy Marlin confirmed that the Caribbean island of St. Maarten has reached an agreement with Jet Blue Airways for air service from New York commencing January 17, 2008.
In making the announcement, Commissioner Marlin said, “On behalf of The Island Territory of St. Maarten, I am pleased to welcome Jet Blue Airways as the newest travel partner serving the Little Caribbean Alliance which includes Anguilla, St. Barths, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten/St. Martin.
“I am sure the many Jet Blue passengers will soon discover that St. Maarten is the best leisure destination in the region, offering 37 beaches,
over 400 restaurants with Gold Award Winning Chefs, exceptional entertainment and nightlife as well as a myriad of accommodations to fit
any lifestyle, all in a safe, friendly, cosmopolitan environment.”
Commenting on the announcement, Marty St. George, JetBlue’s Vice President of Network Planning, said, “Customers have been asking for more
JetBlue flights to the Caribbean and today we’re pleased to add service to St. Maarten, one of the most beautiful spots in the region. With JetBlue,
customers enjoy award-winning inflight entertainment, generous name-brand snacks, and top-notch customer service — all at some of the lowest fares around. We think the flight should be as good as the destination, so on your next trip to the Caribbean, we invite you to experience all that flying should be.”
Commissioner Marlin pointed out that Jet Blue’s lower cost structure for service to St. Maarten will provide very competitive air fares, which
will be a tremendous boost for tourism as well as its resident population.
Commissioner Marlin stated that the net result of the new Jet Blue service will be increased travel through Princess Juliana Airport. “This is good for us and good for our travel partners,” he stated.
The start of Jet Blue’s service to St. Maarten coincides with the launch of its new marketing initiative. The new theme, “St. Maarten. Bring
Your Appetite For Life.” which is scheduled to appear in national consumer and trade magazine advertisements within North America. “Our national
public relations effort has already begun to bring this message to millions of travelers across the country. And, the response from all accounts has been extremely positive,” he said.
“I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Daniel Gibbs, Vice President of Tourism of the Collectivity of St. Martin, Mr. Victor Banks,
Minister of Tourism of Anguilla, President of the Collectivity of St. Barths, Mr. Bruno Magras, as well as the Economic Recovery Fund of St.
Maarten, The St. Maarten Hotel Association (SHTA), the Westin Resort and the Sonesta Beach Resorts for their participation in the joint marketing effort that will take place in concert with Jet Blue,” he said.
