Frans George Richardson has been appointed Commissioner of Tourism & Economic Affairs, Aviation and Sports for St. Maarten. Prior to this position, Richardson served for three years as a Senator representing St. Maarten in the Netherlands Antilles Parliament.
"I am honored to be appointed Commissioner and am eager to work with our
partners in the private sector to usher in a new day for St. Maarten's tourism industry and raise awareness of our island in key markets across Europe and the Americas," said Richardson. ``Tourism is St. Maarten's most important industry and the pillar of our economy," noted Richardson, "but it's also what we do best with 37 immaculate beaches and the most restaurants found on any Caribbean island."
"Despite the challenges of our current economic climate, I am extremely excited to take the helm and steer our tourism development in a positive direction by incorporating our unique cultural elements into the tropical appeal that has made St. Maarten a longtime favourite among travellers," added Richardson. He expressed optimism for a positive turnaround as the country is strategically positioned with convenient airlift from many major North American markets.
"Airlift will continue to be a major focus for our government so that we are well positioned to reap the benefits of a massive influx of tourism as soon as the global economy begins to recover," he added.
Richardson began his political pursuits in 2003 when he was elected to the Island Council in the St. Maarten Government. Prior to his involvement in the political arena, he served as airport operations duty manager at St. Maarten's Princess Juliana International Airport.
Born and raised on St. Maarten, Richardson has remained a loyal native of the island where he went to school and developed his career. Considered by many as a trendsetter among St. Maarten's young entrepreneurs, Richardson has an extensive history of successful leadership in various capacities, including the car rental industry, cinema (he established the first multi-screen movie theatre in St. Maarten), real estate and construction.
Richardson is a member of the Frans Richardson Educational Foundation, the Soualiga Son Foundation, as well as various sporting organizations throughout the island. Additionally, he is a Member of the Permanent Committee on Constitutional Affairs (PCCA) for St. Maarten.
