Sonesta Resorts Sint Maarten is pleased to announce a new charter partnership with Italian tour operator Eden Viaggi as a result of a joint effort with the Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau.

On December 18, 2011 Eden Viaggi will launch a year-round, direct flight from Milan’s Malpensa Airport (MXP) to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), once per week every Sunday. The flight will be operated by Alitalia on its A330 aircraft offering a total capacity of 277 persons including 20 Magnifica business class seats. The flight will initially make a stop in La Romana, Dominican Republic, however it will shortly be dedicated to SXM. Packages will be on sale as of November 1, 2011.

“The partnership with Eden Viaggi was generated from our participation with ITB Berlin 2011, the largest travel tourism trade show to support the European market,” said Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino General Manager Juan Fernandez, who spearheaded the deal. "We look forward to our new partnership as a major boost to our resorts and the economy of Sint Maarten.”

“This is a tremendous boost to our island’s tourism sector,” says Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau Interim Director May-Ling Chun. “Italy has been an excellent country of support to our destination and we anticipate the new flight will further bolster this important market.”

Honorable Minister Franklin A. Meyers, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affaires, Transport & Telecommunications, said, "This is a monumental accomplishment as we expand our presence even further into the European continent. We are happy to be partnering with The Maho Group on this charter, a company that remains dedicated to the success of our overall tourism development."

Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino will receive membership into Eden Viaggi’s exclusive Eden Gold, which features elite destinations selected for their location, quality of services and appeal to international customers, while Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino will be categorized as Eden Special, recognized for location, value for money and reliability of service. Both resorts will be designated as preferred locations for Eden Viaggi travelers.

Eden Viaggi was founded in 1983 under the leadership and entrepreneurial experience of Nardo Filippetti. The company has since become a leading Italian tour operator, offering comprehensive travel services for individuals and groups. In 2010, the company offered travel services to more than 500,000 customers.