Air Canada will have two winter routes to the island
Martinique is gearing up for its winter tourism season, doing so in part by reminding Canadians of the current differences in weather between this country and the tropical island.
Gaëtan Paderna of the Martinique Tourism Committee noted the contrast during a Tuesday Toronto gathering for travel agents.
“The sun is shining in Martinique and the temperature was 32,” he told agents on hand. “We are looking forward to another successful season… and welcoming Canadians to Martinique.”
Paderna — identified as the tourism authority’s “chief happiness officer” by a colleague — said tourism authorities are eager “to share our corner of the French Caribbean with the world.”
Air Canada has year-round Montreal-Martinique service and the airline will also link the island with Toronto from Dec. 14 to April 19. Flights are 5 hours from both cities.
Tourism authorities say they are making inroads in this country, with Canadians accounting for 5.5% of international visitors in the 2022-2023 winter season. That figure rose to 9.4% during the 2023-2024 winter season, with Paderna stating that, “We are pleased and excited to see so much enthusiasm for Martinique.”
Among familiar names found in Martinique is Club Med, which has the island’s only all-inclusive property.
Tourism authorities say that Martinique is a safe part of the world that tourists can easily explore and dine in local restaurants, and which has hotels ranging from 2 to 5 stars.
Among specific attributes mentioned during the Toronto event were over 250 kms of marked hiking trails, and over 100 sandy beaches.
Much of Martinique is covered by rainforest and is mountainous, creating a scenic vacation retreat.
Those attending the event were also told that Martinique has 14 rum distilleries, with visitors able to participate in rum tastings.
Among exhibitors on hand in Toronto was Mathieu Meril of DMC Coeur des Isles, who noted his destination is a blend of French, African and Indian influences.
“If you want to go all France, you can,” he stated. “If you want to experience the Caribbean you can.”
More information can be found at MartiniquePro.org.
