Pic: Smart
Left, Radisson Blu Resort General Manager Jean-Marc Jalbert, Jeanine Rogers of the St. Martin Tourism
Bureau, and Minister of Tourism Ted Richardson have a laugh at the SMART press conference yesterday.
Photo Today / Andrew Bishop
Smart trade show to be a unique experience
ANSE MARCEL—The 13th Annual SMART Trade show promises to be one of the best held on the island
said General Manager of Radisson Blu Resort and Spa Jean-Marc Jalbert. “We are expecting a record
attendance from countries that have not been participating for a long time or those who have not had
the chance to do so because of one reason or another and the cohesiveness of the Dutch and French
sides of the island.”
He pointed out that the SMART conference, which will be held at the Radisson Blu, is a wonderful event
that is “very rich.” He noted that very important people are coming to the annual trade show from the
suppliers’ side of the show and he expects that the communications should be focused on promoting
the island and all the experiences that visitors are looking forward to on the island.
“It is just for the visitors to enjoy the island, understanding the uniqueness of the island since the
destination in itself is just unbelievable.” He said that from the French side they will be very creative and
will be looking at authentic products to bring an authentic experience to the visitors. This will give the
guests that are coming a unique opportunity especially where it pertains to the culinary arts and “we
want to show the best face of St. Martin to the visitors,” said Jean-Marc Jalbert.
This is the second time that the Radisson Blu resort on the French side is hosting the event and this year
they will be lifting the standards and the opening night it will be unbelievable.
“SMART is really smart,” said Minister of Tourism Ted Richardson. It is always unique for countries to
work together because of one common goal. He stressed that one of the points that he will be focusing
on is the development of the so called “slow season.” He noted that it is so sad to see that during this
slow season that so many people have to be sent home to wait sometimes until the high season.
He feel that if both sides of the island continues to work together to first to enhance each other
strengths it will be a great initiative. He was told that during the past 12 editions it was very successful
and he is looking forward to this Trade Show since they are expectations of more suppliers than in the
previous years.