AGP Executive Report

Airline Disruptions: Eleven airlines have collapsed or entered administration in 2026, forcing cancelled holidays for passengers; the latest reported casualty is European Cargo (about 180 jobs affected), as airlines warn jet-fuel costs could surge and fares may rise. Caribbean Airlift (Martinique links): LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes launched a new interline deal, letting travellers book one ticket and check baggage through across networks that include Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Europe via Paris-Orly. Regional Connectivity Push: A separate set of new airline partnerships (including Winair and Contour) is also aimed at easing the Caribbean’s fragmented airlift, making it easier to move between nearby islands without separate tickets and repeated baggage handling. Cruise Travel Tip (Puerto Rico): Cruise document rules can differ for round-trip sailings from San Juan, Puerto Rico—some lines require passports even when the trip is “closed-loop.” Tourism Development (Caribbean agenda): Grenada outlined a 12–24 month tourism plan focused on site upgrades, visitor experience, digital marketing, sustainable investment, and stronger regional airlift. Martinique Culture & Food: A Martinique-rooted chef, Marcel Ravin, returns for the 2026 season at Monte-Carlo Beach with a sea-led “Jardin Marin” menu that changes with local fishermen’s catch.

Cruise Deals: P&O Cruises is pushing Caribbean fly-cruise offers with up to £500 extra onboard spending money and low deposits from £49, with itineraries that can include Fort-de-France. Regional Airlift Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement for single-ticket, through-checked baggage travel across English- and French-speaking Caribbean routes, including Martinique links to Paris-Orly. More Connectivity via Europe: Air France is also operating a Miami–Guadeloupe Airbus A320 service that fits into an island-hopping network including stops in Martinique and onward to French Guiana. Tourism Planning Elsewhere in the Region: Grenada outlined a 12–24 month tourism agenda focused on product upgrades, digital marketing, community tourism, and stronger partnerships—useful context for regional visitors planning multi-island trips. Martinique-Linked Culture & Food: A Martinique-rooted chef, Marcel Ravin, returns for 2026 with a sea-focused menu concept at Elsa Marcel Ravin in Monaco, highlighting the island’s culinary influence. Sustainability Reminder: CYEN Grenada is urging residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season—noise and lighting matter.

Regional Airlift Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline deal, letting travellers book one ticket with through-checked baggage across English, French and Dutch-speaking Caribbean routes—linking islands including Martinique and Guadeloupe to Antigua and onward to Paris-Orly. Airlift Connectivity Focus: A separate Winair/Contour interline partnership also took effect May 5, aiming to make hopping between nearby islands less costly and time-consuming by reducing separate-ticket hassles. Cruise Deals for the Caribbean: P&O Cruises is pushing Caribbean fly-cruise value with promos offering up to £500 onboard spending money and low deposits from £49, for select sailings departing late 2026 through early 2028. Martinique in the Mix: Air France continues an unusual Miami–Guadeloupe–(via Martinique)–French Guiana A320 route, reinforcing French Caribbean links for US travellers. Tourism Agenda Watch: Grenada outlined a 12–24 month tourism push focused on airlift, site upgrades, community tourism, digital marketing and sustainability.

Aviation Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement (single ticket, through-checked baggage, no separate-ticket hassle) linking Eastern Caribbean routes with Air Caraïbes services to Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris-Orly—starting June 1. Air France Route Boost: Air France continues an unusual Miami–Guadeloupe–Martinique–French Guiana island-hopping service using the Airbus A320, giving travelers a direct-feeling path through French Caribbean territories. Cruise Travel Rules: A reminder for U.S. travelers: closed-loop cruises usually accept a birth certificate plus photo ID, but round-trips from Puerto Rico can be stricter—Princess Cruises now requires passports for sailings from San Juan. Tourism Development (Regional): Grenada outlined a 12–24 month tourism push focused on airlift, site upgrades (including Grand Anse Beach and national parks), safer experiences, and stronger community tourism. Marine Life & Beaches: CYEN Grenada urged residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season by keeping noise and lights low, staying back, and reporting sightings. Martinique Link in Sports: Saint Lucia’s rugby teams played Martinique in friendlies, with a return trip to Martinique set for June 20.

Aviation Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline agreement taking effect June 1, letting travelers book one ticket across both networks with baggage checked through—linking Eastern Caribbean islands (including Martinique) to Guadeloupe, French Guiana and onward to Paris-Orly. Cruise Travel Tip: A reminder for Caribbean sailings: while many closed-loop cruises from U.S. ports accept a birth certificate plus photo ID, round-trips from Puerto Rico can be stricter—Princess Cruises now requires passports for San Juan departures. Tourism Agenda Watch (Grenada): Grenada is rolling out a 12–24 month tourism push focused on airlift, site upgrades (Grand Anse Beach, waterfalls, parks, heritage spots), digital marketing, and community tourism. Marine Life Reminder (Martinique region): CYEN Grenada urges residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season—stay quiet, use dim red lights if needed, keep dogs away, and don’t touch nests or eggs. Regional Travel Context: Commentary flags Caribbean aviation realignment around emerging hubs (Antigua, Barbados, Sint Maarten) as route cuts and carrier changes reshape connectivity.

Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement (in effect June 1) letting travelers book on a single ticket and check baggage through across combined networks—linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean routes (including Martinique via Air Caraïbes services) with Air Caraïbes regional links from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris-Orly. Regional Travel Impact: The deal is already live, aiming to cut duplicate fees and re-checking during transfers and make multi-island itineraries easier for tourists and tourism operators. Martinique Angle: Air Caraïbes’ Martinique service is explicitly part of the new connectivity, strengthening practical links for visitors traveling between the French Caribbean and the wider region. Climate Watch: The Caribbean is also facing worsening 2026 conditions—drought and heat stress alongside shifting rainfall patterns—raising concerns for tourism infrastructure and ecosystems across islands.

Caribbean Air Connectivity Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement (from June 1, 2026) letting travelers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage, linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean network (incl. Antigua hub) with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris-Orly. Regional Aviation Realignment: Commentary highlights how Caribbean Airlines’ route cuts and the new LIAT–Air Caraïbes deal fit a broader shift toward emerging hubs (Antigua, Barbados, Sint Maarten), reshaping how islands connect. Martinique in the Mix via Air France: Air France continues an unusual Miami–Pointe-à-Pitre route using an Airbus A320, part of an island-hopping network that can include stops in Martinique and French Guiana before extending onward to Brazil. Tourism & Culture at Sea: Emerald Cruises announces a December 13–20, 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara with chef Rachel Hargrove, with stops including Martinique and Guadeloupe. Travel Safety Note for Visitors: UK travel insurer Go Compare warns travelers without a GHIC card may miss state-provided medical treatment in Europe at local cost, urging people to apply before travel (not a replacement for travel insurance). Marine Life Reminder: CYEN Grenada urges residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season by keeping noise and lighting low and staying back from nests.

Air Connectivity for the French Caribbean: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement effective June 1, letting travelers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana plus LIAT’s wider Eastern Caribbean network. Martinique Access via Air France: Air France continues an unusual Miami–Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) Airbus A320 service that island-hops onward to Martinique and French Guiana, giving travelers another practical route into the French Caribbean. Regional Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines’ St. Kitts withdrawal is being criticized for lack of consultation, while officials say alternative services are being lined up—another reminder that connectivity planning is moving fast across the region. Tourism & Events: Saint Lucia is gearing up for Mercury Fest 2026 (Aug 14–16), with a strong French-market push that could resonate with visitors from Martinique. Travel Comfort Trend: A roundup highlights Caribbean beaches where steady trade winds keep summer feeling cooler, pairing “breeze-first” shorelines with nearby hotels. Health Watch for Travelers: France reports 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May, including links to overseas territories such as Martinique, as the tiger mosquito season ramps up.

Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement effective June 1, 2026, letting travelers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across the two networks—linking Eastern Caribbean islands with Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus Air Caraïbes’ Paris-Orly service. Martinique Access & Travel Links: The same connectivity push comes as Air France continues an unusual Miami–Guadeloupe Airbus A320 route that island-hops via Martinique and French Guiana onward to Brazil, highlighting growing options for French Caribbean travelers. Tourism & Aviation Context: A regional aviation commentary argues these moves signal a structural realignment around emerging hubs (Antigua, Barbados, Sint Maarten) as Caribbean Airlines cuts and other carrier changes reshape routes. Marine Life on the Beach: CYEN Grenada urges residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season, warning that noise and bright lights can cause turtles to abandon nests. Martinique Culture & Fairness: A report on Martinique’s youth captures frustration over limited access to major mainland France events, underscoring how travel costs shape cultural life. Cruise & Culinary: Emerald Cruises will host chef Rachel Hargrove on a December 2026 Caribbean sailing that includes Martinique and other Leeward Islands stops.

Air Connectivity for Martinique Travelers: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement effective June 1, letting passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage—linking LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean network with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward connections to Paris-Orly. Regional Aviation Shake-Up: A separate report highlights how Caribbean Airlines’ withdrawal from St. Kitts and Nevis is being handled without prior consultation, while governments scramble to protect regional links—an issue that matters for island tourism planning. Cruise Demand Signals: MSC Cruises’ North America trade chief Erin Douglas says the line is pushing outreach to more travel advisors and “MSC curious” guests as it expands in the U.S., keeping European-style cruising top of mind. Tourism & Climate Pressure: New coverage warns the Caribbean’s 2026 climate extremes—drought, heat and shifting rainfall—could strain ecosystems and tourism infrastructure across the region. Marine Nature Reminder: CYEN Grenada urges residents and visitors to protect sea turtles during nesting season by keeping noise and lights low and staying back from nests.

Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement effective June 1, letting travelers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across the English/French Caribbean networks (including Martinique and Guadeloupe) and onward to Paris-Orly. Route Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines is scaling back—ending some intra-Caribbean routes and reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—while working on a codeshare to widen options. New Direct Option to the French Caribbean: Air France is operating an unusual Airbus A320 Miami–Guadeloupe service that island-hops via Martinique and French Guiana onward to Brazil, with up to five weekly flights in peak season. Tourism & Travel Safety: French health authorities report 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in mainland France (including links to Martinique and Guadeloupe), as the tiger mosquito season ramps up. Marine Life Protection: CYEN Grenada urges residents and visitors to respect sea turtles during nesting season—stay calm, keep noise and lights low, and never touch nests or eggs. Luxury Stay Signals: InterContinental Grenada–La Sagesse is set to open in November 2026, adding 120 rooms to the premium beachfront market.

Aviation & Access: Air France is keeping an unusual Miami–Guadeloupe link alive with Airbus A320 service, part of an island-hopping network that also reaches Martinique and French Guiana before continuing to Brazil—helpful for travelers seeking smoother US-to-French Caribbean connections. Regional Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement (from June 1) letting passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across English- and French-speaking Caribbean routes, plus onward links to Paris-Orly. Local Tourism Impact: Caribbean Airlines’ St. Kitts withdrawal has sparked concern, with the tourism minister saying the decision came without consultation—while officials say alternative services are being lined up to protect regional travel demand. Marine Life & Beaches: CYEN Grenada is urging residents and visitors to respect sea turtles during nesting season, warning that noise and bright lighting can cause turtles to abandon nests. Culture & Travel Demand: Emerald Cruises is adding a chef-led “Culinary Collection” sailing that includes Martinique and Guadeloupe, aiming to pull more food-focused travelers into the French islands.

Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement effective June 1, letting travelers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage—aimed at smoother multi-island journeys across the English, French and Dutch Caribbean, and onward to Paris Orly. Regional Aviation Reshuffle: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and frequencies from June 1, ending services to Dominica and St. Kitts and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly, as it restructures after major losses. Tourism & Climate Watch: The Caribbean’s wet season is arriving amid lingering drought, with extreme heat and rainfall swings threatening water supplies and tourism infrastructure. New Luxury Stay: InterContinental Grenada–La Sagesse is set to open in November 2026, adding a 120-room beachfront resort to the premium market. Culture & Events: Mercury Fest returns in Saint Lucia August 14–16, with organizers targeting the French market and visitors from Martinique. Health Alert: France reports 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May, including links to Martinique and Guadeloupe, as the tiger mosquito season ramps up.

Aviation & Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have launched an interline agreement that lets passengers book on a single ticket with through-checked baggage, easing multi-island trips across the Eastern Caribbean and the French Caribbean (including Martinique) plus onward links to Paris-Orly; it starts June 1 via travel agents and global distribution systems. Regional Air Pressure: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and frequencies from June 1, withdrawing from Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor and reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly, citing major losses and saying a codeshare partner is in talks. Tourism Product (Martinique-linked): Emerald Cruises will run a December 13–20, 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing on Emerald Sakara visiting Martinique among other Leeward Islands stops, with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove hosting onboard food experiences. Travel Climate Watch: The Caribbean is facing drought and extreme heat linked to a strong El Niño pattern, raising risks for freshwater supplies and tourism infrastructure across islands. Health Alert (France/Caribbean travel): French authorities report 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in May, with travel-linked links including Martinique and Guadeloupe.

Aviation & Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and frequencies from June 1, ending services to Dominica, St. Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—passengers will be rebooked, refunded, or offered travel credit as the airline works on a codeshare to widen options. Regional Link-Up (Martinique/Guadeloupe): LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal taking effect June 1, letting travelers book one ticket with through-checked baggage across their combined networks, including Air Caraïbes links to Martinique and Guadeloupe plus LIAT’s Eastern Caribbean coverage. Tourism Experience Trend: Rum tourism is shifting from “nice add-on” to premium brand-building—heritage-led tastings, education, and retail experiences are becoming the new must-do for Caribbean visitors. Cruise & Culinary: Emerald Cruises launches a December 13–20, 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing on Emerald Sakara, with chef Rachel Hargrove, visiting Martinique among other Leeward Islands stops. Climate Watch: The Caribbean is facing drought stress alongside extreme heat patterns in 2026, a risk to ecosystems and tourism infrastructure.

Regional Aviation Shake-Up: Caribbean Airlines will cut key routes from June 1, ending flights to Dominica and St Kitts and the Ogle–Suriname corridor, while reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly; officials cite route losses and say affected passengers will be rebooked, refunded, or offered travel credit. Local Governance & Accountability: In St Kitts and Nevis, Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says the government was not consulted before the withdrawal announcement, even as talks begin to secure an alternative airline partner. Connectivity Boost for Travelers: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal starting June 1, letting passengers book on one ticket with through-checked baggage across Eastern Caribbean and French Caribbean networks (including Martinique and Guadeloupe) and onward to Paris. Caribbean Climate Watch: A drought-and-heat warning continues across the region as 2026 climate extremes strain water supplies and tourism infrastructure. Martinique Audience Angle: A French health bulletin flags 92 imported mosquito-borne cases in mainland France, with links to overseas territories including Martinique—an alert for visitors and residents during the mosquito season. Cruise & Culinary Tourism: Emerald Cruises launches a December 13–20, 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing on Emerald Sakara, calling at Martinique and featuring chef Rachel Hargrove.