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Starting Dec. 16, English Canada will at last have direct access to Martinique – previously the preserve of French Canadians (or those traveling through Montreal) alone. The Air Canada service builds on 14 years of flights from YUL and marks the first-ever flights from YYZ to the magnificent Caribbean island, which is an overseas territory of France.

Karine Roy-Camille, Deputy Director Americas for the Martinique Tourism Authority, says “the time is right” for the flights because “after the pandemic we have noticed that visitors are looking for new destinations, and new experiences, and are not only going to the southern Caribbean for the beach; they are looking for experiences and to meet with the local population – and it corresponds exactly with what Martinique has to offer.”

Pointing out that the island is “a part of France and a part of Europe,” she adds, “that means a very high standard of living, and infrastructure, safety, and security – and this is exactly what new visitors are looking for.”

Despite being a francophone favourite, Roy-Camille says the number of English Canadians visiting the island has been “so small” as to hardly be counted, but she says Air Canada’s new service will be a game changer for the tourist board in Canada, adding, “people want direct flights. Before it was a big challenge (to convince les Anglais to visit), but now we can respond exactly in terms of what they are looking for in flights and destination. But so far, they don’t know yet what Martinique is about.”

So, what is Martinique about? Travel Industry Today recently visited the island for a sneak peek ahead of the imminent Air Canada service, and here’s what we found:

Known both as The Isle of Flowers and The Rum Capital of the World, luxuriant Martinique boasts unspoiled beaches, volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, and gently crashing waterfalls, providing a contrast to its pockets of classical French architecture and luxurious villas and resorts.

Seamlessly blending modern conveniences and infrastructure with expansive green spaces, the island is recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve. And just last month, Martinique was awarded its third UNESCO recognition: for the Volcanoes and Forests of Mount Pelée and the Pitons of Northern Martinique, with the landscapes, geology and the protected endemic and irreplaceable flora and fauna of this area recognized as special by UNESCO. Yole de Martinique (a type of indigenous skiff-boat) was also listed as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage site in 2020.

Martinique’s strong French influences are reflected in its official language and use of the Euro. Yet, the character of Martinique is distinctly its own: the island’s musical heritage, art, culture, and cuisine proudly honour its Creole roots.

Fort-de-France, the island’s vibrant capital, showcases the dichotomy: colourful dwellings mingle with sprawling gardens and stoic French cathedrals along the crescent of a scenic bay.

Quebec

As for Quebecois, Roy-Camille says Martinique is not an unknown destination, noting that the tourist board has had an office in the province since 2008 and has worked closely with travel agents and supplier partners like Air Canada and Club Med, as well as Atout France.

She adds the ratio of repeat visitors from Quebec is very high, with the average being 10-12 days (longer than most other markets) and spend higher even than tourists from France.

With the same language, she adds most Quebecois are extremely confident in the destination and often rent houses or Airbnbs, rent cars to go out and about, and often make friends that they will come back to visit.

All of this adds up to Canada being Martinique’s second market, after France, but ahead of the US.

Toronto

Now with new Air Canada service set to take flight, Roy-Camille says the tourist board will extend its focus to the English Canadian market – specifically Toronto – with the initial goal being to ensure that the weekly winter flight is successful before looking to year-round service. “The challenge is first to give awareness about the destination,” she says.

For agents, that includes conducting FAM trips and participating in trade shows, including its own dedicated event in November.

“We do consider travel agents very important because they can give and share the right information about Martinique, because they cannot promote or sell Martinique like the other Caribbean islands… Maybe you think you know Caribbean islands, but Martinique will surprise you.”

France

Roy-Camille says that while Martinique is located in the heart of the Caribbean, being part of France makes it a totally different experience. “We are Creole, but we are a mix of cultures, coming from Africa and India and influenced by France. And as we do speak French, it is a different culture and heritage.”

She adds, “We enjoy spending time with our visitors – we don’t call them tourists. They arrive as visitors and leave as part of our family. And we like to share things – our festivals, dinner – we are very generous, and we like to please people. This is really in our DNA.”

Accommodation

Roy-Camille says it is important to know that there is only one all-inclusive on the island – Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek – “a fantastic property in a fantastic location.” The property is undergoing extensive renovations highlighting significant changes to the rooms, reception area, main restaurant, with the first phase to be complete when the resort reopens later this fall. The refresh will include all-new interiors organically inspired by the vibrant colours of the surrounding nature and rich Creole culture.

But there are multiple other options, such as small boutique hotels, mid sized properties with 82-100 rooms, a few bigger hotels, but also a multitude of villa rental properties from two bedrooms to full concierge service with chefs and “any type of service you could imagine.”

Two Travel Industry Today recommended hotels include five-star La Suite Villa Hotel & Spa, a nine-villa and six-suite boutique property with sea-views and outdoor restaurant serving French and Creole cuisine. It’s located in Les Trois-Islets, a short local ferry ride from Fort au France; and Diamant les Bains, Martinique’s first hotel in 1945, and now a completely renovated four-star property overlooking the landmark Le Diamant (rock), and studio rooms, bungalows, a restaurant, pool and direct access to the beach.

And brand new is Sable Bleu in Le Marin’s Bay, a rare multi-storey building (and first in Le Marin) with rooftop bar and plunge pool overlooking Martinique’s primary marina, and across the harbour from Club Med. The four-star hotel features 16 sleek and elegant rooms, high on technology and sustainability. Yachters, coming and going from Martinque are expected to be prime clientele.

For villas rentals, Villa Veo boasts about 135 units around the island, accommodating from two to 14 people. A pan-West Indies company ensures consistency and quality control, with units ideal for groups and special occasions, like weddings, that are generally priced less than hotels. Most people stay a week. Additional services like chefs, massage, and rum masterclasses can be arranged. Units have pools and are located in quiet places, and include concierge services and English-speaking staff.

Cruise

Cruising is also big business in Martinique with most of the major cruise lines represented, reflecting the island’s position as an important cruise hub in the Caribbean. “We’re a huge cruise destination,” says Roy-Camille.

MSC Cruises, which offers fly and cruise packages to the island, also homeports in Martinique, along with Costa, Ponant, and Club Med. With MSC, visitors can combine seven- and 14-day southern and northern Caribbean itineraries with a one week stay in Martinique.

More than the beach

While Martinique has its share of spectacular beaches, Roy Camille acknowledges there are many beaches all around the Caribbean – but she emphasizes, “If you’re looking for an eco-friendly destination, this is Martinique. If you’re looking for hiking, or trails, for kayaking, or to learn how to protect the mangrove, this is the place to come.”

Diving, with more than a dozen sites – including the shipwrecks of Saint-Pierre – is also a popular pastime, and bustling Fort-de-France boasts a historic fort (tours must be arranged), cathedral, colourful covered food and crafts market, La Savene des Esclaves slave (and indigenous peoples) museum, and European-style shopping.

A boon for the island no doubt is its third UNESCO designation – recognition that attracts a lot of visitors, Roy-Camille says, adding, “you can double the number of visitors.” With this in mind, the capital Fort au France will see a new airport terminal open in November.

Meanwhile, much of Martinque’s natural attributes are on display in the mountainous north, prompting Roy-Camille to state while most visitors stay in the south, “you have to go to the north,” which she calls a green “island within an island.”

On the way is Le Domaine d’Emeraude, a 24-hectare nature park that has four kilometres of trails through the heart of the lush rainforest, featuring some of the island’s 3,600 trees and 100 indigenous species. There is also a botanical garden, arboretum, and interactive pavilion, the latter detailing the island’s Acadian heritage (more than 12,000 arrived in the mid 1760s, including many exiles from Canada).

Meanwhile, Habitation Ceron is an idyllic setting at the north tip of the island. The former plantation site (still lived in and family-run) notably features the sprawling, approximately 300-year-old Zamana tree, which is the believed to be the biggest tree in the Caribbean and has been voted the most beautiful in France. The site has marked trails, a stream for swimming (well, dipping), a restaurant, and offers horse riding,

Of course, beaches on the island have an immeasurable allure and can be accessed directly or via ubiquitous beach bars and beach-side restaurants, many of which provide lounges and, in some cases, other facilities (such as change rooms), as well and food and drink for guests. A great example of the former is Bao Beach at Pointe Marin, while Le Petitbonum beach bar comes alive at sunset with live music and libations.

Culinary

A highlight of any visit to Martinique is its food, a Creole cuisine that is a mix of African, Indian, Caribbean, and French influence. And naturally, very colourful, plentiful seafood. On the way north, stop for lunch at La Chaudiere Morne Rouge for a tasty Creole sampling.

There are over 365 restaurants island-wide cover all the gastronomic bases, prompting Roy-Camille to laugh, “Nobody ever left Martinique without saying, ‘I had a great culinary experience.’”

Rum

Martinique is also known for its rum, namely the unique ‘Rhum Blanc,’ a legacy spirit still made from sugarcane (not molasses) by 12 distilleries linked by a touristic “rum trail” where visitors can discover the art of rum production through guided tours, and, of course, tastings.

At historic Trois Rivieres, visitors can also hop on an ATV for an incredible hour-long off-road guided tour (which can be booked separately) through the cane fields on the distillery’s vast estate, also showcasing Martinique’s coastline and Le Diamant.

Notably, Martinique has joined the rank rum royalty through numerous awards, including the prestigious AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) designation, which recognizes the unique production of a spirit that is considered lighter and cleaner tasting than modern rums.

Not surprisingly the national drink is the rum-based Ti’punch, a cocktail made with Rhum Blanc or Rhum Agricole, complemented with a hint of lime and cane syrup.

Getting there

Weekly Air Canada flights from Toronto will operate weekly for the winter starting Dec. 16. The route, which is the culmination of a long-term effort and vision advocated by the Tourism Commissioner Bénédicte di Géronimo, will take five hours between YYZ and Fort-de-France, utilizing Airbus A220 aircraft with a capacity of 137 seats. Air Canada says it has optimized other routes to conveniently feed into the service.

Getting around

With good roads and easy-to-get rental vehicles, Martinique is ideal for exploring, and with English widely spoken, Roy-Camille assures, “you’ll never get lost here.”

But exploration by water should be mandatory – to the see the “blue island” (as opposed to the green island), not least on the ubiquitous fun catamaran tours that include food and drinks, plus stops for snorkelling or visiting a pretty seaside village.

Sailboats can be rented for longer durations, while fishing and diving and kite surfing excursions also present other offshore options.

Travel agents

The Martinique tourist board is eager to work with travel advisors, who can reach out to the office for information and collateral material (in English and French), and for contacts on-island. There is also specialist program for agents tailored to a Canadian audience (not US). For information, email information@lamartinique.ca; website – https://us.martinique.org/.

On Nov. 7, a delegation from the island, including tourism minister Benedicte de Geronimo, will visit Toronto for a trade event to celebrate the launch of the Air Canada Toronto flight.

All of which leads to Roy-Camille to exude confidence that English Canadians will soon discover her “Caribbean jewel.” But she’s taking nothing for granted. “We want to exceed expectations,” she says. “You want to do that? (e.g. hiking), okay, you can do that. But then you will find many, many other (aspects) of Martinque to enjoy.”

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

‘Tis the season for FAMs, and Canadian travel advisors have been hitting the road (and air and waves), according, from destinations as remote as Croatia, and as familiar as Kissimmee. Here’s a quick look at some of the journeys undertaken, including agents from CAA, WestWorld Tours, and Voyages en Direct.

Utah Office of Tourism

The Utah Office of Tourism recently hosted its inaugural Utah specialists fam, dubbed “A Journey Through Southern Utah’s Natural Wonders.” Five travel trade representatives from key Canadian and Australian tour operators (including WestWorld Tours & Women Xplorers and CAA-Quebec) – who earned their certification from the new Utah Specialist Academy, took part in the week-long excursion to the southern part of the with a goal of adding new Utah products and itineraries to their 2024 programs.

The trip saw the tour operators hosted by Rocky Mountaineer on the new ‘Rockies to the Red Rocks’ rail journey from Denver to Moab, then travel to Monument Valley, all of Utah’s Mighty 5 National Parks, drive Scenic Byway 12, and visit the city of St. George before flying home through Las Vegas.

“Utah’s natural beauty and national parks were more impressive than I imagined they would be,” said Leanne Haus, General Manager of WestWorld Tours & Women Xplorers – a first-time visitor to Utah, adding, “I was struck by how all the parks are different in their own way and there is so much to see and do in each one. The glamping-style and unique accommodations available throughout the state were also a nice addition. I will definitely be developing a new Utah itinerary for our women’s hiking tours.”

Trevello

Trevello Travel Group recently honoured its Chairman Circle Advisors with a celebration aboard the Resilient Lady by Virgin Voyages (photo), which sailed a spectacular itinerary through some of Europe’s most scenic ports, including Dubrovnik, Split, Kotor, and Corfu.

The trip was carefully designed to recognize and applaud the achievements of the top-tier advisors and included a private dinner in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where members shared stories, insights, and camaraderie.

“We were excited to welcome many newcomers to our Chairman Circle, who, together with our experienced members, epitomize entrepreneurial success,” said Trevello CEO Zeina Gedeon. “The combined efforts of this exceptional group have been a driving force behind our company’s growth. Each advisor who attained our top-tier recognition consistently showcased dedication and commitment. This trip was our gesture of gratitude, a celebration of their partnership and invaluable contributions.”

Kissimmee

Experience Kissimmee recently hosted a group of travel advisors from Voyage En Direct (photo) to three days exploring Kissimmee beyond the theme parks. The trip was led by Denise Graham, Account Director for Experience Kissimmee, represented in Canada by VoX International.

Fam participants were able to experience a few popular outdoor, nature-based activities such as airboat rides, kayaking and a Celebration bicycle tour. They were also treated to resort and nightlife experiences, leaving with a fountain of new information to offer their clients interested in visiting Kissimmee.

Other fam highlights included an evening of friendly competition at Splitsville Luxury Lanes located in Disney Springs, and a site visit of Margaritaville Resort Orlando, a popular choice for Canadians since opening in Kissimmee in 2019.

The group stayed at the upscale, contemporary Magic Village Views in three- and four-bedroom villas, where they were able to enjoy spacious, private accommodations in the heart of Florida.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Tourism Ireland introduced its new concept “Senses of Ireland” event series earlier this month with a trip to Western Canada. With calls in Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver, the events featured eight Irish suppliers intent on taking travel advisors on a “sensory journey through the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of the island of Ireland” while showcasing their diverse range of products.

The event series is focused on the Canada’s best cities to drive business to Ireland and kicked off in Calgary, a core feeder market for the Ireland thanks to direct air access into Dublin with WestJet from May through October.

Next up was Edmonton, in collaboration with the Granite Expo trade show, where Tourism Ireland connected with over 80 agents at a pre-show event.

The event series concluded in Vancouver, which boasts direct air access from Vancouver to Dublin with Air Canada, seasonally from June 1 to Sept. 20, four times per week in both directions.

While the airline has direct daily service from Toronto to Dublin, with so many heritage connections on the west coast, the direct route over peak travel season is a welcome yearly addition to the western market, says Tourism Ireland.

At the events, attendees were uniquely invited to explore various “sense stations” designed to stimulate their senses. Attendees had the opportunity to:

• Touch: Immerse themselves in Irish traditions by interacting with the people and the products synonymous with the island of Ireland.

• Taste: Savour the flavours of Irish food and drink, with whiskey and chocolate pairings from Jameson Distillery in Cork and Dublin, flavours of the coast with Mussenden Sea Salt and fresh apple tarts from the orchard county with Visit Armagh.

• Sight: Experience breath taking visuals that showcase the island’s natural beauty through immersive augmented reality technology; with VR headsets from Taste Causeway and The Gobbins in Northern Ireland.

• Sound: Tune into the melodic tales of Ireland’s rich culture with Irish language lessons, music, dance, and song, from partners Oideas Gael in County Donegal and Angela Newman from Hysterical Histories Cork.

• Smell: Breathe in the evocative scent of Irish turf, a fragrance that encapsulates the essence of Ireland, as well as live demonstrations using a ‘mini smoker’ of smoked salmon from The Burren Smokehouse paired with Burren Gold Cheese from Ailwee Caves.

“Senses of Ireland’ was an event unlike any other we have executed before,” said Tourism Ireland, Canada, Manager Sandra Moffatt. “The key cities of Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver in Western Canada are a very important market for us, and we are delighted to be highlighting the superb tourism offerings around the island of Ireland in a unique and immersive way.

“This event series provided our industry partners with the opportunity to meet and network and highlight their product offering in a real time way with an exclusive audience of top tier agents, operators, and media, providing increased opportunities for business in 2024 and beyond.”

Canada is the 10th largest market for overseas tourism to Ireland, with 248,000 visitors in 2019, marking 10 years of consecutive growth.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News

Colourful el Día de los Muertos festivities have kicked off in Mexico, leading up to the actual Day of the Dead on Nov. 2, where Mexicans and visitors alike honour departed loved ones and reaffirm the bond between the worlds of the living and dead. Rather than somber, the occasion is joyous and raucous, yet also reflective.

The ancestral tradition dates back to pre-Hispanic Mexico, with roots originating in the cultures of Mesoamerica. Over time, these traditions were blended with Catholic beliefs to give rise to the holiday we know today, celebrated across Mexico.

The central pillar of the celebration is remembering the lives of those no longer living. Loved ones and family members take to cemeteries and each other’s homes with offerings of flowers, water, photographs of the deceased, their favorite food and drink, and other items that help to remember those who passed.

The celebration is so integral to Mexican culture that UNESCO has established it as a Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

While celebrations take place in virtually every across the country, here are three places to experience Mexico’s most famous festival, and some local hotels that make the most of the celebrations:

Mexico City

Nowhere in Mexico celebrates Day of the Dead as vibrantly and passionately as Mexico City. The month-long celebration kicked off on Oct. 6 with the Festival de la Llorona en el Embarcadero de Cuemanco, which took place on the canals of Xochimilco, the Venice of the Americas in Mexico City.

On Oct. 18, the Festival de las Flores de Cempasúchil takes over Paseo de la Reforma with thousands of brilliantly coloured marigolds illuminating the path of the dead. It is estimated that five million marigold flowers will be produced this season.

Oct. 21 marks one of the most highly anticipated events of Day of the Dead in Mexico City: the Desfile de Alebrijes Monumentales, a parade of giant puppets that measure up to eight feet tall. Alebrijes are gorgeous works of art that blur the lines between reality and surrealism. They have become one of the most time-honoured traditions of Mexico City’s Day of the Dead.

The parade is a precursor to Mega Procesion de Catrinas, the following day, Oct. 22. The spectacle is a massive parade that begins at the Angel of Independence in Reforma and ends at the Zocalo, in the heart of the Centro Historico. Hundreds of gorgeous Catrinas take to the streets, with hauntingly beautiful painted faces, elaborate costumes, flowers, and music. La Catrina is the primary figure of Day of the Dead, a representation of an Aztec figure, The Goddess of Death, who was later popularized by engraver Jose Guadalupe Posada.

All of this is, of course, a build-up to the actual Day of the Dead. Celebrated between Oct. 31 and Nov. 5, this is when the offerings are made to the dearly departed. In Mexico City, the Zocalo hosts an Ofrenda Monumental, or massive offering that fills the entire plaza with altars, flowers, incense, photographs, and much more. Thousands of people take to the streets dressed as zombies for another festive, colorful, decked-out parade.

Hotel: Andaz Mexico City Condesa offers travellers a stylish stay conveniently located only 3 km from the starting point for Mexico City’s Day of the Dead Parade. The hotel will have special programming for the celebration that includes a spectacular Dia de los Muertos-themed art installation pop-up by local gallery Caminarte in the lobby (through Nov. 30), authentic Catrina facepainting for hotel guests (Oct. 28 and Nov. 2) and specialty food and beverage items throughout the hotel’s restaurants and eateries, including a special limited-edition pan de muerto and traditional Mexican hot chocolate available at Derba Matcha Café.

San Miguel de Allende

From Mexico City, visitors can venture to beautiful San Miguel de Allende (SMA), a UNESCO world heritage site pueblo recently rated the runner-up best city in the entire country by Condé Nast Traveler readers. For more local Día de los Muertos flavour, SMA offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in local art and traditions.

Hotel: Located in the heart of the city, Casa de Sierra Nevada, A Belmond Hotel, is paying homage to tradition with an exclusive Día de los Muertos celebration in collaboration with renowned Mexican visual artist Betsabeé Romero. The hotel was recently named the 2nd best hotel in all of Mexico in the Condé Nast poll. The exclusive Day of the Dead experience contributes to San Miguel de Allende’s allure as a quintessential destination for traditional Dia de Muertos celebrations. Guests will have the opportunity to engage in conversations and experiences led by Romero herself while perusing vibrant recycled plastic flowers, hand-printed latex skulls, and more. As a multi-disciplinary artist, Romero is known for her impactful work that combines various mediums and explores themes of cultural heritage, identity, and social change.

Guests booking a minimum three-night stay between Oct. 31 and Nov. 5 will receive welcome cocktails, daily breakfast, a La Catrina (skeleton) makeup session for two, and a Romero-designed personal altar kit that enables guests to build their own altars dedicated to loved ones directly in their ample guest rooms. The celebration culminates with an exclusive cocktail event on the rooftop bar on Nov. 1 and a dinner party at Andanza Restaurant on Nov. 2. Featuring an educational conversation with Betsabeé Romero, the immersive experience offers a deep understanding of the cultural significance of Día de Muertos while offering traditional culinary dishes including Pozole, Tamales, Dulce de Calabaza (pumpkin candy), and Pan de Muerto.

Riviera Maya

Family travellers may be best suited to visit the Riviera Maya, where all-inclusive resorts bring the Day of the Dead to hotel guests, from Mexican gastronomy to dancing to workshops and even a concert by renowned Mexican artist Natalia Lafourcade on property.

Every year from Oct. 30 to Nov. 3, Xcaret into a vibrant tapestry of Mexican culture and tradition during the annual Festival of Life and Death Traditions. The tradition, now in its 17th edition, offers visitors a heartfelt tribute to one of Mexico’s most treasured customs, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Guests can expect a rich variety of experiences, including captivating theatre performances, Mexican gastronomy, musical presentations, hands-on workshops, dance shows, exhibitions, a dedicated children’s area and two shows by renowned Mexican singer and three-time Grammy Award Winner Natalia Lafourcade taking place Nov. 1 and 2.

The festival will feature three monumental altars, 330 artistic presentations, 15 simultaneous forums, theatrical tours, among other activities, where over 960 artists will engage visitors over a total of five days. In addition, the cultural event is a celebration for adults and children alike and at the new Interactive Hacienda children’s area, where families can learn about the traditions surrounding the Day of the Dead through theatre presentations, puppet shows, an art exhibition, photography, sculpture, and workshops teaching traditional Mexican arts and crafts.

The cultural fusion will include tastings and traditional dishes of Querétaro, the invited region. There will also be parades led by Grupo Aztlan and the student band from the Autonomous University of Querétaro (UAQ), as well as musical performances by Grupo Xaha, Grupo Bohemio, Trio Queretanas, and Trio Gallardia Huasteca.

Hotels: The main venue for the festival will be Xcaret Park and will also include Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte and La Casa de la Playa.

First published at Travel Industry Today

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First published at TravelNewsHub.com – Global Travel News