St. Maarten Minister of Tourism Franklin Meyers has announced the appointment of May-Ling Chun as the interim Director of Tourism, replacing Regina LaBega, who was appointed Managing Director of the Princess Juliana International Airport.
Ms. Chun brings 20 years of marketing and tourism experience to the position of Director of Tourism having served as regional manager for the St. Maarten Tourist Office in New York and director of operations at St. Maarten’s Oyster Bay Beach Resort. She is currently owner and managing director of Innovative Marketing Creations, N.V. in St. Maarten. Ms. Chun has been a member of the St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) for 11 years and currently is the association’s second vice president/director of marketing.
“May-Ling Chun brings extensive knowledge of the tourism industry as well as a creative marketing background to her role as interim director of tourism,” said Franklin Meyers, Minister of Tourism for St. Maarten. “Ms. Chun’s vast experience in both the public and private sector of our tourism industry will be a valuable asset in bridging the gap and implementing a cohesive marketing strategy for St. Maarten.”
As the regional manager of the St. Maarten Tourist Office in New York, Ms. Chun was responsible for increasing market share from the U.S., overseeing sales efforts across the country, developing yearly marketing strategies, maintaining close relationships with tour operators, participating in tradeshows and sales calls, planning FAM trips for trade and media groups, implementing coop marketing programs and developing airlift programs.
Ms. Chun’s additional experience includes marketing and research services, development of business plans, educational and training programs, and hotel and timeshare resort management.
Ms. Chun holds a Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree with a focus on management and marketing from Sacred Heart University in Connecticut. Ms. Chun earned her Bachelor in Professional Studies degree from New York Institute of Technology in New York where she majored in Hotel/Restaurant Management with a minor in business.
Regina LaBega’s move to Managing Director of Princess Juliana Airport comes after 12 years in the role as Director of Tourism for St. Maarten. She leaves a department that has a successful track record of achievements under her direction over these years.
“We are very pleased that Ms. LaBega will now be heading up our airport as the aviation arena is key to our continued development and success for tourism to St. Maarten,” Minister Meyers said.
St. Maarten
St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two nations, Kingdom of the Netherlands and France, creating a European-influenced vibe with a Caribbean flair. As “the culinary capital of the Caribbean,” St. Maarten offers an eclectic array of cuisine fusion for food lovers with more than 365 restaurants, one for each day of the year to satisfy the tastes of every palate and pocketbook.
Located at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, the island’s 37 square miles has 37 breathtaking beaches and is home to many historical and family-oriented attractions. During the day, watersport enthusiasts can take full advantage of the island’s scuba diving and snorkeling facilities. The capital of Philipsburg offers duty-free shopping with a bustling city atmosphere, while 14 casinos and numerous nightclubs provide endless entertainment.
Accommodations are varied and include elegant private villas, family oriented resorts, quaint cottages and luxury spa resorts. Air service is available to Princess Juliana International Airport from numerous U.S. and Canadian cities as well as from Europe, South America and the Caribbean.
