SMART 2026 lead-up launched

GRAND CASE--The road to the 18th edition of the St. Maarten / St. Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART) is officially underway. On November 6th, representatives of the four long-standing organizing partners gathered at the newly opened Moonrise Bar at Grand Case Beach Club to begin the eight-month preparation period for next year’s event, scheduled for June 22–26, 2026. The Office du Tourisme (ODT), St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), Club du Tourisme, and the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) were presented with the 2026 proposal, marking the formal start of the countdown.

Now approaching its 18th edition, SMART has evolved over 25 years into the largest tourism tradeshow in the Northeastern Caribbean. Delegates from 29 countries and territories typically join the five-day program, which stands out for its bi-national French-Dutch foundation and wide Caribbean participation from destinations both large and small.

At the kickoff, President Valérie Damaseau of the Office de Tourisme de St. Martin highlighted the collective strength behind the event. She thanked Grand Case Beach Club for hosting and emphasized that SMART’s success depends on cooperation across both sides of the island as well as between public and private stakeholders. She encouraged local partners to save the dates and get involved early.

This cycle gives organizers the longest runway in more than a decade. The extended planning period is already showing results. The “Chirp First Early Bird Campaign,” introduced for 2026, has attracted significant uptake. The promotion offers extra incentives alongside reduced participation fees for suppliers and vendors who register early. Half of all available booth spaces have already been claimed.

Vendor category booths will again play a key role, offering companies that provide products or services to the St. Maarten / St. Martin tourism sector an opportunity to connect with regional buyers and industry leaders.

Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten of TEATT expressed the government’s full support for SMART, noting that the event symbolizes the island’s unity and shared goals. She said the partnership between the French and Dutch sides reflects a model of trust and teamwork that strengthens the island’s ability to present itself as one diverse and opportunity-rich destination. She described SMART as a testament to what the island can achieve when it moves forward together.

In a major development for next year’s event, JW Marriott St. Maarten has been selected as the host location for the 2026 edition. The luxury Dawn Beach property, which only opened a few years ago, will welcome SMART for the first time.

Private sector interest is also building quickly. Companies including ShowMeCaribbean, Rainforest Adventure Park, Grand Case Beach Club, Winair, Port St. Maarten Group of Companies, CC1 St. Maarten, BookingSuccess, Grant Thornton, Vin de Plage St. Martin Wine, the island of Saba, and SnapSXM have already confirmed their support.

JW Marriott is offering competitive room rates for buyers, suppliers, and vendors. Event participants can visit shta.com/SMART for accommodation details, car rental offers, regional airfare discounts, and enrollment information.

The “Chirp First” period runs until December 1st. General Early Bird rates remain available through January 31st.

For additional information, interested parties may contact office@SHTA.com or call +1 (721) 542-0108.

‍