Martinique Magnifique trade show welcomes agents

Travel agents were invited to learn more about Martinique this week at a travel trade show featuring the attractions, accommodations and services offered on the Island of Flowers.

The Martinique Magnifique event, hosted at The Spoke Club in Toronto, featured a number of exhibitors, including Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek resort, Hotel Bakoua, Pierre et Vacances Resort Sainte-Luce, Courbaril Village, Avis Martinique, Parc Naturel Regional, and Air Canada Vacations. Following a presentation by the Martinique Promotion Bureau, attendees were also treated to a zouk dance lesson.

A French overseas territory located in the Lesser Antilles, Martinique is seeing increasing tourism numbers with a 17.6 per cent increase in arrivals during the 2013-14 winter season, said Muriel Wiltord-Latamie, Director of Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau.

For Canadian travellers visiting Martinique, Air Transat will begin a new direct flight departing Thursdays from Montreal this winter (between Dec. 23 and April 2), Wiltord-Latamie said, adding the bureau is hoping to see direct flights from Toronto in the future.

Outlining sales tips for travel agents looking to sell Martinique packages, Jessica Marie, Promotion and Development Coordinator, said that the island’s diverse culture and geography make Martinique an ideal destination for any traveller. With a wide range of outdoor activities, a rich culinary scene, friendly people and an air of freedom, the destination draws tourists ranging from newlyweds on their honeymoon to families and mature couples looking to make a winter escape.  Marie also said that Martinique offers a wide range of accommodations spread across the island, ranging from resorts to boutique hotels.

“If people ask ‘why Martinique?’ you respond ‘why not?’” joked Marie. “They may have been to other islands but they probably don’t know Martinique.”

Wiltord-Latamie told PAX that the island’s natural beauty, food and authenticity seem to be the big draws for Canadian travellers, more of whom are discovering Martinique every year, she added.

“I think more and more people from Canada and North America are looking for authenticity and connecting with the soul of a destination,” she said. “It’s a true island, it’s real. Also, like in France, if you visit somewhere like Provence you can stay in a little place and if you see a great restaurant, you just go! It’s not a one-place situation; this is what Martinique offers.”

Quick facts:

- As a French territory, the official currency of Martinique is the Euro; however, many businesses will also accept U.S. dollars.

- In addition to the new Air Transat direct service, travellers can also reach Martinique from Montreal with Air Canada on Sundays year round and also on Wednesdays between Dec. 23 and April 28 and on Tuesdays between July 2 and Aug. 31; tourists closer to Toronto can fly out of Pearson on American Airlines with a connection to Martinique in Miami, offered Saturdays year-round and on Wednesdays in winter and summer.

- Ferries can transport travellers between Martinique and the nearby islands of St. Lucia, Dominica and Guadeloupe.