St. Maarten Tourism Board
The official tourism authority with a visitor center on Front Street.
Why Go
Before you commit to any itinerary, tour package, or restaurant reservation, the St. Maarten Tourism Board on Voorstraat (Front Street) offers something no commercial operator can: genuinely impartial information about the island. As the official tourism authority for the Dutch side, the board provides maps, event calendars, attraction recommendations, and local knowledge without a sales agenda attached.
The Experience
The Tourism Board's Front Street office at number 28 sits in Philipsburg's primary shopping corridor, making it an easy first stop for cruise visitors or newly arrived hotel guests who want to orient themselves. The staff provides maps, brochures, event schedules, and personal recommendations that cover both the Dutch and French sides of the island — though their official mandate is the Dutch side, practical advice about the whole island is generally available. For visitors, the value is straightforward: unbiased answers about what to see, where to eat, what events are happening this week, and how to navigate the island's transportation options. The office also handles inquiries about business registration, tourism statistics, and industry matters for those in the trade. Art of Time, Laurent Avenue, and Hot Look are neighboring Front Street shops, placing the Tourism Board in the middle of the duty-free shopping zone that most visitors explore during their stay.
What to Try
Pick up a current island map and events calendar. Ask about upcoming festivals, music events, or cultural happenings that might coincide with your visit. Get restaurant recommendations from staff — they eat locally and know what is good right now.
Insider Tip
The Tourism Board office is the most reliable source for current event information. Websites and apps can lag behind, but the staff are updated in real time about what is happening this week. Visit early in your trip to maximize the information's usefulness.
The Practical Stuff
Located at 28 Voorstraat (Front Street), Philipsburg. Free visitor information, maps, and event calendars. Near Art of Time, Laurent Avenue, and Hot Look. Walking distance from cruise terminal. Official tourism authority for the Dutch side.
Pair It With
- Art of Time Guide — Watch shop next door on Front Street for luxury timepiece shopping
- VISIT St. Maarten / St. Martin Guide — Additional tourism information resource for comprehensive island planning