Statia Targets Canada’s Active 55+ travel market at Ottawa Tourism Show

ORANJESTAD, St. Eustatius--The St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) will introduce the island to Canada’s active mature travel market this week at the 55+ Lifestyle Travel Show, Ottawa’s largest and most established event dedicated to active mature travellers.

Taking place September 25 and 26, the two-day expo will give Statia a direct platform to showcase its eco-tourism, heritage and cultural offerings to one of Canada’s most engaged travel demographics.

Ebelene Schmidt-Hinds, President of the STDF Board, will represent the island at the event. Her participation forms part of Statia’s efforts to expand its presence in the North American market, particularly among travellers looking for authentic, uncrowded Caribbean experiences rather than mass-market resort tourism.

According to data cited by STDF from Statistics Canada, the Vanier Institute and readership surveys, Canadians aged 55 and older control almost two-thirds of the country’s wealth, with an average household net worth of approximately $690,000. The group also represents a significant segment of Canada’s vacation travel market.

“Ottawa’s active 55+ demographic aligns naturally with what Statia has to offer,” said Maya Pandt, Director of Tourism. “These are travellers who value depth, heritage, and genuine connection with local communities. They want meaningful itineraries, rich storytelling, and pristine natural environments. The 55+ Lifestyle Travel Show provides us with the perfect stage to share Statia’s story directly with this audience.”

Statia has never pursued mass tourism, and STDF believes that distinction gives the island a strong appeal among mature travellers seeking quieter and more meaningful Caribbean experiences.

The island, home to fewer than 3,500 residents, offers an environment without large cruise crowds or high-rise resort development. Instead, visitors can experience historic sites, hiking, diving, cultural attractions and direct interaction with the local community at a more relaxed pace.

Statia’s history remains one of its strongest tourism assets. Once known as the “Golden Rock,” the island played a major role in transatlantic commerce during the 17th and 18th centuries.

On November 16, 1776, Statia became associated with one of the most significant moments in its relationship with the United States when the island’s governor ordered a salute to the flag of the emerging American nation. Statia will mark the 250th anniversary of that historic event on November 16, 2026.

For visitors interested in heritage tourism, the island offers merchant warehouses, forts, archaeological remains and Jewish and colonial heritage sites that provide an opportunity to explore centuries of Caribbean history.

Statia also offers a national marine park and established diving opportunities suitable for both novice and experienced divers. Its hiking infrastructure, year-round warm climate and small-scale tourism environment provide additional options for travellers looking to combine activity with relaxation and cultural discovery.

STDF believes those characteristics correspond closely with the preferences of mature travellers who have the time, resources and interest to explore destinations beyond traditional resort experiences.

“Our focus in Ottawa is to build personal relationships, both with potential visitors and key regional travel partners. As travel preferences shift toward sustainability and off-the-beaten-path discovery, Statia stands ready to welcome Canadians seeking an unforgettable, restorative journey,” Pandt added.

Visitors attending the 55+ Lifestyle Travel Show will be able to meet Schmidt-Hinds at the STDF showcase to learn more about travel to the island, upcoming events, suggested itineraries and the practical arrangements involved in visiting Statia.

The Ottawa appearance forms part of STDF’s broader effort to position Statia internationally as a destination built around heritage, nature, sustainability and smaller-scale visitor experiences.

Travellers interested in learning more about Statia, planning a visit or exploring possible itineraries can visit statia-tourism.com. The destination can also be followed through its official Facebook, Instagram and TikTok channels.

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