Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Travel organization will possibly exclude Statia if expansion goes through


Today, a nature travel organization posted this comment on SEAD's online petition:

"As the director of SNP Natuurreizen, a Dutch tour operator specialised in active holidays I strongly protest against the expansion of Nustar. In 2012 we are launching a special walking program on St. Maarten, Saba & Statia for groups and individuals. The proposed expansion of Nustar will damage the experience of our clients to be walking on an island of special natural beauty and could result in excluding St Eustatius from our scheduled program."

This is proof to us that Statia government is seriously underestimating the negative impact on tourism development because of NuStar expansion plans. In an appendix of the St. Eustatius Spatial Development Plan we read: "It is possible for tourism and the oil terminal to co‐exist. Perhaps a few fanatic eco‐tourists will steer clear from the island". (Advies van de commissie van deskundigen over de tegen het ontwerp ontwikkelingsplan ingebrachte bezwaren 25/02/2011)

SNP is not a tour operator for "fanatic eco-tourists"! In fact, it is partner of very mainstream ANWB Travel in Holland.

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