According to Travelocity’s second Traveller Confidence Report, nearly half of the more than 2,000 North American respondents (49 per cent) plan to travel more in the year ahead, up from 21 per cent six months ago and just 10 per cent a year ago. Some 44 per cent plans to travel “about the same” and only 7 per cent plans to travel less, down from 34 per cent a year ago and 24 per cent six months ago.
While the majority (56 per cent) did not have a pre-determined travel budget for 2010, 34 per cent of those who do plan to increase it. At the same time an overwhelming 76 per cent is likely to book a vacation package to save money, which indicates that in addition to visitor experience and quality, price is playing an ever-greater role.
The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) in turn is forecasting a rebound in visitor arrivals with modest growth of up to 3 per cent for the region this year, after the total number went down from 22.9 million in 2008 to 22.1 million last year. That translates to an overall 3.6 per cent decline in 2009 for the 33 CTO member countries, but the quarterly trend was positive, as the 6.6 per cent drop of the first quarter was down to 6 per cent in the second and just 2 per cent in the third, while the fourth quarter actually saw an increase of one per cent.
Realistically, however, one has to conclude halfway through the current high season that in any case it will not have been a great one in St. Maarten/St. Martin. So the real rebound is more likely to come during the 2010-2011 high season, the positive effects of which will be felt mostly next year. This also means “The Friendly Island” again faces a “long, hot summer” that may prove quite difficult for certain businesses and consequently their employees.
In that sense, initiatives that target other, less seasonal markets such as the recent agreement for regular year-round flights from Brazil can help the island get through the low season. Similar efforts in other alternative markets such as Europe with its high euro and tradition of summer vacations abroad are highly recommendable as well.
All in all, it appears the hard times for the entire Caribbean tourism economy are far from over, but there is at least some light at the end of the tunnel. Making sure St. Maarten/St. Martin benefits from this expected upturn remains a priority, along with surviving the still tough months ahead as best possible.
