St. Maarten is having a standout year. The island reported a 16.9 percent increase in airport arrivals and a 14 percent rise in cruise arrivals during the second quarter of 2025, momentum that extended through a record-breaking summer.
This surge has positioned St. Maarten among the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean, with growth figures climbing well beyond previous records and reaffirming its appeal as a regional tourism powerhouse.
A Reimagined Arrival Experience
At the heart of this success is a sweeping modernization of the travel experience. Princess Juliana International Airport has opened a new arrivals hall, part of a broader effort to streamline entry for the growing number of visitors. The addition of a state-of-the-art automated border control system that integrates a digital entry form with biometric technology has transformed the process of entering and exiting the island. The result is a faster, more secure, and more seamless arrival experience that matches the scale of St. Maarten’s tourism growth.
Coordinated Efforts Drive Airlift Expansion
The island’s rise has not been accidental. Tourism officials and the airport authority have been working in concert to expand capacity, improve services, and strengthen industry partnerships.
“The St. Maarten Government, Tourism Bureau and Princess Juliana International Airport have worked hand-in-hand to elevate the St. Maarten travel experience by synchronizing efforts across airport investments and improvements, as well as hospitality support and development to meet the increasing demand,” said May-Ling Chun, St. Maarten’s Director of Tourism, in a statement to Caribbean Journal. She emphasized that targeted marketing initiatives, ongoing participation in key industry events, and direct engagement with airlines have been instrumental in bringing new and expanded air service to the island.
Airlines have responded decisively.
This year alone has seen the launch of new regional flights by Z Air from Curaçao, as well as Winair’s expansion to Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Bonaire. Contour Airlines is set to begin service from San Juan, Puerto Rico in November 2025.
JetBlue will launch nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale in December, while American Airlines and United Airlines have both announced plans to begin service from Chicago. Southwest Airlines will follow with new routes from Orlando and Baltimore beginning in April 2026. These developments are strengthening St. Maarten’s connectivity and ensuring a steady flow of visitors throughout the year.
The tourism transformation extends far beyond infrastructure. St. Maarten is seeing a wave of high-end hotel and residential development that is reshaping its hospitality landscape.
New luxury properties are set to bring fresh energy to the island, including the already-opened JW Marriott St. Maarten on Dawn Beach and the highly anticipated Vie L’Ven Resort and Elie Saab Villas. This move toward branded luxury and mixed-use offerings is elevating the destination’s appeal among affluent travelers and real estate investors, while reinforcing St. Maarten’s position as a sophisticated Caribbean escape.
For Grisha Heyliger-Marten, St Maarten’s Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, the surge reflects a destination that is evolving with purpose.
“There’s never been a better time to visit St. Maarten. With more flights, a smoother arrival experience, and exciting new resorts opening up, our island is ready to welcome you with open arms,” she said.
“What makes St. Maarten truly special is our unique blend, a little bit of Europe, a whole lot of Caribbean, and a melting pot of cultures that you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re here for the beaches, the food, the music, or just the good vibes, St. Maarten is your Caribbean home away from home, any time of year.”
Are you planning a vacation to St Maarten? Read our guide to the hottest places to stay in St Maarten right now.
