Saint-Barthélemy Thrives Amidst Political Turmoil and Tourist Boom

GUSTAVIA, Saint-Barthélemy — Despite complicated political dynamics, the economy of Saint-Barthélemy is thriving, fueled by a robust tourism sector. As the island prepares to host its 30th annual Bucket Regatta, 29 luxury yachts will participate in a three-day sailing competition, drawing wealthy visitors and significantly boosting the local economy.

“This event not only supports the economy, but it also brings people together. Guests are happy to visit, conduct business, and everyone benefits,” said Ernest Brin, director of the territorial port of Saint-Barthélemy.

In 2023, Saint-Barthélemy welcomed nearly 550,000 visitors, according to tourism observatory data. Visitors spent approximately 75 million euros on luxury items, including jewelry, watches, and branded clothing, as reported by customs data.

Visitors have ample accommodation options, with over 1,100 villas and 26 hotels available, including 10 five-star establishments. “Every year, we aim to enhance our service quality. Businesses constantly evaluate and innovate to achieve excellence in all sectors,” stated Olivier Leroy, president of the Association of Hoteliers of Saint-Barthélemy.

However, the island faces challenges in finding qualified staff. At the Fleur de Lune eco-lodge in Saline, management is seeking five to six employees year-round to run its 12-room facility. “It’s complicated because many people come to the island as tourists. Although we have many applicants, the distinction between vacationers and service staff blurs, making recruitment difficult. We need to change this, offering more suitable training for Saint-Barthélemy,” explained Maryse Berry, director of Fleur de Lune.

The recruitment challenge is compounded by the ongoing housing market pressure on the island, making it increasingly difficult to secure accommodations for both permanent and seasonal employees. “We need a long-term vision for Saint-Barthélemy over the next 5, 10, or 15 years. We will work on this during the tourism summit in June, collaborating with local officials, industry professionals, and the community. It’s crucial for the entire population to align to ensure the sustainability of tourism,” said Alexandra Questel, president of the Territorial Tourism Office of Saint-Barthélemy.

Many island residents acknowledge that Saint-Barthélemy is currently experiencing the pressure of its success. Managing development will undoubtedly require careful adjustments. However, locals agree that this is necessary to maintain the island’s reputation for excellence.