The St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Maya Pandt as its new Director.
Maya, a daughter of the soil, brings a wealth of experience and expertise in tourism and marketing to this pivotal role. Maya was appointed to the role of Director of Tourism on 6th December, 2024, and has since been the only employee at the STDF.
Maya holds a bachelor’s degree in Travel & Tourism Management and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration/ Marketing. Her extensive background in the tourism industry is underscored by her tenure as General Manager of the Extended Stay Deluxe in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she successfully managed the hotel’s operations for nine years just after being promoted in under a year from Assistant Manager to General Manager. During her time in Daytona, known as the Racing Capital of the World, Maya was instrumental in coordinating special events, including prominent NASCAR races that take place throughout the year.
In 2008, Maya returned to her home island and briefly worked with the Regional Service Center (RCN) before joining the St. Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation as Product Development Manager in 2010. In this capacity, she has been instrumental in enhancing the service industry through numerous training programs, significantly improving the tourism experience for visitors. Maya also played a key role in organizing the Statia Sustainability Conferences for several years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Maya is renowned for her proactive approach and passion for tourism development on the island. Her appointment as Director is expected to further bolster the foundation’s efforts to promote St. Eustatius as a prime eco-tourism destination, capitalizing on its unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.