St Maarten tiimeshare economic problems

[Jennie]

http://www.thedailyherald.com/news/daily/l107/time107.html

 

[caribbeansun]

Most of that article was based on quotes from the General Manager of the Atrium Resort who haven't had an exactly pristine reputation with the manner inwhich they deal with their owners - hefty fees for resale transfers for one. Sounds more like positioning to try to "scare" the government into providing some sort of relief on utility rates.

I would agree that overbuilding on the island without investment in infrastructure has created some serious congestion issues.

 

[Cathyb]

St. Maarten USED to be our favorite island -- loved the dual culture experience; however our last visit (last February) convinced us it was our last visit to that island. Reasons (IMHO): Way too crowded; too few street lights for the mass of cars now; just 'another' tourist trap.

We stayed this time over toward Phillipsburg. We were told that SXM took OUT the traffic light at the most major intersection because it caused too much congestion!!!!!!! Parking at Phillipsburg was impossible; no regular bus schedule out there and building going on everywhere you looked. The airport was shut down during night-time hours almost the whole week due to electric problems.

SOOOOO SAD as it was such a beautiful island and such great restaurants!

 

[Tia]

I know the USVI is experiencing some of the same problems with the utilities sky rocketing.

 

[tombo]

With the high costs of air fares the overcrowding of many Island resorts could lessen greatly returning them to the relaxed uncrowded locations of years ago.. Of course many of us might not be able to afford to go and see the reduced crowds because of the travel expenses. It is a double edged sword.