Tourism: Guillaume Arnell speaks at the Senate

The Saint-Martin senator, Guillaume Arnell, was one of ten speakers at the debate on the role of collectivités territoriales in the tourism policy which was held this afternoon in Paris at the Luxembourg Palace, in the presence of government representatives. For a little more than seven minutes, Guillaume Arnell presented the issues of this sector for the Saint-Martin economy and suggested the means that public authorities could implement to make French destinations, including Saint-Martin, more competitive.

The senator reminded his colleagues that "tourism was an important lever for growth and a crucial source of business". And mentioned that in Saint-Martin, it employed nearly 30 percent of the declared workforce. Therefore, competition from neighboring islands such as Cuba or the Dominican Republic, is dangerous. Tourism "is progressing quickly there to due to the many benefits of competitiveness". Including the infrastructures. For Guillaume Arnell, "the example of Saint-Martin is a telltale sign of this phenomenon". "This shortage of reception infrastructures on the French side is an aggravating factor," he admitted.

The senator furthermore wished to challenge the government on "higher operating costs" in the French territories and on "complex legislation" compared to the neighboring islands, which can curtail investors. He therefore considered that "the public authorities must ensure an environment which is conducive to the development of their territory". Specifically in terms of infrastructure and standards.

Guillaume Arnell pointed out the negative effects of tax exemption; a political and financial program that has led to the privatization of many hotels in Saint-Martin.

Finally, the senator outlined some measures that the Saint-Martin Collectivité had implemented in favor of tourism on its territory. He thus explained how the administration established a tourism development model which has been applied by the tourist office. He emphasized the efforts made to promote the destination internationally and the permanent presence of agents in Paris and New York.

Finally, Guillaume Arnell highlighted the last action implemented locally, consisting in teaching tourism in the schools and involving the teachers in promoting the island. And suggested that the Minister "repeat this initiative in other territories".