Dear Valued Guest,

On behalf of the people of St. Maarten/St. Martin, we welcome you to the land of hot days, cool nights, temperate breezes and warm people. St. Maarten/St. Martin is the smallest island to be shared by two countries, where more than 80 cultures blend and coexist in 37 square miles. We hope that you will enjoy the unique charm that blends the sophistication of Europe and the laid-back atmosphere of the Caribbean where the euro, dollar and Netherlands Antilles guilder exist in perfect harmony.

The Friendly Island is blessed with sugar-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, rolling green hills, a borderless existence and a zest for life that is truly one of a kind. The island is one of the true duty-free shopping ports in the world with an amazing selection of jewelry, watches, luxury goods and spirits. Whether you want to water ski, snorkel or go deep sea fishing, our brilliant waters can fill your days, and the world-class restaurants and exciting casinos and outstanding nightclubs will fill your nights.

Philipsburg boasts one of the Caribbean's most modern cruise faciliies as well as a rejuvenated historic town. Please take advantage of our beautiful seaside town; both Front Street and Back Street have been restored, and the Boardwalk, over one mile long, stretches along expansive Great Bay Beach and offers fine and casual dining options and trendy boutiques.

A quick ferry ride, a sail or a hop away on Winair are four dazzling sister islands — each unique and special in her own way and worthy of a visit. The surrounding islands are alluring British Anguilla, sensual French St. Barths, rustic Dutch Saba and historic St. Estatius, affectionately known as Statia.

Whether you stay in one of our fine hotels or timeshare properties, or in one of the island's unique inns or luxury villas, we promise you that St. Maarten/St. Martin and her people will keep you coming back again and again.

Roy Marlin
Commissioner of Tourism