Growth of Tourism in St. Maarten
The growth of tourism in St. Maarten began in earnest in the 1950s and 1960s, following the construction of the island’s first major hotel, Little Bay, in 1958.
Over the next few decades, tourism became the dominant economic activity, with large hotels and resorts springing up in the lowlands and other prime locations.
This period also saw a significant population increase, with the island’s population growing from around 7,000 in 1970 to over 30,000 by 1999.
The development of tourism infrastructure, including hotels, restaurants, and attractions, transformed St. Maarten into one of the Caribbean’s most popular tourist destinations.
References: St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation, St. Maarten Museum.