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They came, but not all of them were present. Nevertheless, the main players in the tourism industry on the island of Saint-Barthélemy accepted the invitation extended by the President of the Collectivité territoriale, Xavier Lédée, on Tuesday October 29. For the first time, the Collectivité organized a meeting to formalize the opening of the season. In the presence of Vincent Berton, Delegate Prefect for the Northern Islands, the Commander of the Gendarmerie Brigade, and the President of the Tourism Committee, the President of the Collectivité, Xavier Lédée, and the President of the Collectivité, Xavier Lédée.sidente du comité du tourisme, l'élue Alexandra Questel, et de la présidente de la commission tourisme au sein de la Collectivité, Mélissa Lake. The latter opened the meeting with a speech which, like those that followed, was intended to be very solemn.
For the territorial councillor, who also deputizes for MP Frantz Gumbs, this first meeting at the start of the season is both an opportunity to salute the work realized throughout the year by the various bodies involved in the smooth running of the tourism and professional sector, such as the Cem and, of course, the Tourism Committee (CTTSB). She reminds us of the difficulty of "reconciling the attractiveness and preservation of the region", and invites all players to continue working together.
Social harmony and collective dynamics
With Olivier Leroy, President of the hotel and villa association, looking on, Alexandra Questel reminds us that Saint-Barthélemy's "tourism value is based on its art of living and its unique, personalized welcome". She stresses the need to constantly question the island's success and competitiveness. The President of the CTTSB also stressed the importance for each player to be part of a "collective dynamic" in order to maintain "social harmony". She also regretted that, after "politically complicated months", a "lack of common vision" had "disrupted the daily life" of the tourism professions. "The Tourism Committee is there to support the socio-professionals and elected representatives in building the tourism policy framework", she assured them.
Alexandra Questel took the opportunity to announce the development of a tourism observatory and the hosting of the Caribavia in Saint-Barth in June 2025. This event will bring together Caribbean airport directors, airlines and elected representatives. "We share responsibility for promoting the island with the socio-professionals," she adds.
For the President of the Collectivité, Xavier Lédée, the meeting to open the season is an opportunity for all players to "agree on common requirements". After "three decades of intense development", Xavier Lédée notes that "cohabitation is becoming more demanding and civic-mindedness essential". The Chairman takes the time to reassure his audience that work is progressing well, particularly on the port. "To offer our visitors a unique experience, we must continue to work together", he insists, before handing over the podium to the representative of the French State.
While Vincent Berton notes the solemnity of the occasion, he does not deny himself a few touches of humor when addressing his message to tourism professionals. I was asked when I arrived if I was going to be nice this year," he smiles. I'm a naturally nice person! But we have to respect each other. For my part, I have the utmost respect for your expertise, your know-how, and what you achieve here during the season is quite remarkable. Saint-Barth is an enclosed space, and we can sometimes approach the limits, but we mustn't go beyond them. My role is to remind you where the red lines are. But we're not here to stand in your way! "The préfet délégué stresses the importance of anticipating events, especially during the Festive season. "We're also very attached to the notions of quality and excellence, which must not be abused," he says, before listing his three priorities for the 2024/2025 season: road safety, the fight against drug trafficking and the fight against assaults on people. "We are partners, all in the same boat", concludes Vincent Berton.
The invitation to exchange ideas in this formal setting was not successful. Instead, participants gather around a glass of champagne. A more relaxed setting in which to loosen tongues.
