The Caribbean island of St. Eustatius (Statia), a special municipality of the Netherlands, is strategically positioning itself as a premier sustainable tourism destination through an innovative digital marketing partnership. The St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) has secured inclusion in the groundbreaking Caribbean 365 initiative—a comprehensive year-round promotional platform that combines curated destination features with an integrated booking system.
This collaboration commenced with a two-day familiarization trip in February 2026 for the Caribbean Travel & Tours production team, marking STDF’s first international media visit of the year. The itinerary highlighted Statia’s dual appeal: its rich historical significance and ecological wonders. Participants experienced a cultural tour led by communication specialist Erieënne Brandao, exploring the island’s colonial heritage, including Fort Oranje—the site where the first salute to the American flag occurred in 1776.
The program also featured an eco-tourism expedition up The Quill, a dormant volcano and protected nature reserve, guided by Anthony Reid of Global Nature Consultancy & Partners. This segment emphasized Statia’s unique biodiversity and commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Tourism Director Maya Pandt underscored the strategic timing of this initiative, noting its alignment with the upcoming 250th anniversary of the First Salute in November 2026. This historic event, wherein Statia became the first territory to recognize American independence, presents significant appeal for heritage tourism, particularly from the U.S. market.
The Caribbean Travel & Tours platform, acclaimed by Forbes, Travel Noire, and Travel Weekly, leverages a network of over 40,000 travel advisers worldwide. This partnership ensures Statia’s compelling narrative reaches global audiences precisely when interest in revolutionary history and sustainable Caribbean travel is peaking.