| FOR LAUDERDALE, FL (May 11, 2025) – The Martinique Tourism Authority delivered a compelling case for the French Caribbean island’s expanding cruise market during a well-attended morning session at Cruise360, held at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center last month. Led by a seasoned trio of tourism professionals, the presentation — themed “Sail Away to Martinique’s Hidden Treasures” — highlighted the island’s cultural richness, port diversity, and increasing accessibility by air and sea. The seminar was held in collaboration with American Airlines and targeted travel advisors and cruise industry stakeholders eager to tap into new and enriching Caribbean experiences for their clients. Muriel Wiltord, Director of the Americas at the Martinique Tourism Authority (MTA), whose decades-long leadership has been pivotal in shaping the island’s North American outreach, underscored the strategic importance of airlift in growing Martinique’s homeport capabilities. Pointing to robust connections through Miami, she stated: “The accessibility of Martinique from the United States is facilitated by American Airlines, providing seamless travel options between Fort-de-France and Miami, with convenient connections at Miami International Airport.” Monique Macaire-Sprott, MTA’s U.S. Manager for Marketing, Administration, Cruise & Water Sports, offered a detailed overview of Martinique’s visitor experience. She spotlighted the island’s UNESCO biosphere reserve designation, iconic sites like Mount Pelée, and Creole cultural traditions. Macaire-Sprott emphasized Martinique’s wide array of accommodations — including a renovated Club Med, boutique hotels, luxury villas, eco lodges, and transparent “bubble” hotels — and spoke to the island’s investments in accessibility, including electric transport for mobility-impaired cruise passengers. “We make sure that if you have clients who have wheelchairs or who have problems walking, we have electric vehicles that will come at the gangway to meet with them if they need to,” she explained. Cruise industry veteran Roger Blum, serving as Martinique’s cruise tourism consultant, focused on the island’s impressive maritime infrastructure. “For an island of its size, Martinique actually has eight unique cruise ports. Two of them (Pointe Simon and Les Tourelles in Fort-de-France) are where the biggest ships in the world can dock, and the other six of them are unique, different types of boutique anchorages that really cater to the smaller luxury and ultra-luxury ships.” He guided attendees through Martinique’s range of port experiences, from the historic city of Saint-Pierre in the north to the yachting hub of Le Marin in the south, and shared insights on the growing number of luxury lines including The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Seabourn, Regent, Silversea, and Oceania that now include Martinique in their itineraries. The presentation also featured Glenn Heilbron, Channel Sales Manager with American Airlines, who discussed the airline’s nonstop Miami–Fort-de-France service and its alignment with cruise itineraries. “Passengers can travel by air into the island and then take a cruise there and backwards also,” he noted, emphasizing seamless connectivity across U.S. gateways. Attendees received curated destination materials and were invited to engage further with Martinique’s offerings on the trade show floor. The session ended with a call to action: embrace Martinique’s trade tools and specialist program to unlock a hidden gem on the Caribbean cruise map. |
| About MartiniqueMartinique, often referred to as the Caribbean island with French flair, the Isle of Flowers, the Rum Capital of the World, and the Isle of the famed poet Aimé Césaire, ranks among the world’s most enchanting destinations. As an overseas region of France, it features modern and reliable infrastructure, including well-maintained roads, utilities, hospitals, and telecommunications services on par with any other part of the European Union. The island’s unspoiled beaches, volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, and more than 80 miles of hiking trails and waterfalls make it one of the Caribbean’s premier natural wonders. This unique blend of modern conveniences, pristine nature, and rich cultural heritage has earned Martinique several prestigious distinctions in recent years. It was featured on The New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2023” list, named “Best Caribbean Destination” by About.com, and recognized as the “Top Caribbean Island for Delectable Dining” by Caribbean Travel & Life. The Bay of Fort-de-France, fronting the island’s vibrant capital, was also inducted into The Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World. Adding to its prestige, Martinique has been designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and the iconic yole (or skiff) has been recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance. A destination like no other – Martinique c’est magnifique! For more information, visit us.martinique.org. |
