The Caribbean island of St. Eustatius, commonly known as Statia, is poised for unprecedented global exposure through its inclusion in the groundbreaking Caribbean 365 project. This innovative year-round program, developed by Caribbean Travel & Tours, features a meticulously curated 365-day calendar and integrated booking platform that seamlessly combines flights, accommodations, and authentic local experiences.
The St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) has secured this strategic partnership at a historically significant moment as the island prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the First Salute in November 2026. This historic event refers to 16 November 1776, when Statia became the first foreign territory to officially recognize the independent American flag.
Recent familiarization tours have highlighted Statia’s unique offerings, including historical Caribbean tours led by STDF Communication Specialist Erieënne Brandao that explore the island’s rich colonial heritage. Additionally, eco-tourism adventures feature guided treks up The Quill, a dormant volcano and protected nature reserve, led by Anthony Reid of Global Nature Consultancy & Partners. These experiences showcase the island’s exceptional biodiversity and provide expert ecological perspectives.
The Caribbean 365 platform has garnered recognition in prestigious travel publications including Forbes, Travel Noire, and Travel Weekly. With access to a global network of over 40,000 travel advisers who actively book Caribbean holidays, this initiative positions Statia to reach thousands of high-value travelers and tourism professionals worldwide.
Maya Pandt, Director of Tourism at STDF, emphasizes the timing’s significance: “This strategic partnership ensures our compelling historical narrative reaches global audiences precisely when interest in American Revolutionary history and Caribbean heritage tourism will peak.”
As a Dutch Caribbean island, Statia offers intimate, small-scale tourism experiences focused on sustainability, featuring world-class diving in a protected marine reserve with seven distinct ecosystems, living history as an open-air museum with colonial-era ruins, and diverse nature activities including volcano hiking and wildlife observation. The official launch date for the Caribbean 365 project will be announced shortly.