AGP Executive Report

Air Connectivity: Air France launches a new nonstop route between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Panama City on Dec 11, 2026 (twice weekly), with schedules built for connections from Fort-de-France (Martinique) and onward links via Copa in Panama. Cruise Boost: Corendon will offer a 14-day “Renaissance” cruise starting in Aruba on Dec 3, 2026, calling at Saint Lucia, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Tortola, Sint Maarten, Antigua & Barbuda, and Bonaire before ending in Curaçao on Dec 16. Tourism Product Growth: Club Med targets 100 resorts by 2035 (from 60 today), with ongoing upgrades including Buccaneer’s Creek in Martinique adding an adults-only “Zen Oasis.” Regional Travel Changes: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue direct Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return flights effective Sept 2, while also reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly. Adventure & Experiences: Grenada Tourism Authority joins ATAS to grow UK demand for immersive touring and soft-adventure holidays beyond the beach. Volcanic North Spotlight: Saint-Pierre is highlighted as a “Caribbean Pompeii” for 1902 ruins, black-sand beaches, and Mount Pelée—ideal for deeper Martinique travel. Local Training (Martinique): A French platoon based at Fort Desaix (Martinique) completed joint amphibious and urban training in Curaçao to strengthen regional military cooperation.

Saint-Pierre Heritage & Volcano Tourism: Saint-Pierre is being spotlighted as a “Caribbean Pompeii,” where 1902 ruins, Mount Pelée (4,583 ft), and black-sand beaches make a compelling base for exploring Martinique’s volcanic north ahead of the winter travel season. Martinique in the Caribbean Military Calendar: A French platoon from Martinique trained in Curaçao with CURMIL, mixing amphibious drills and urban tactical exercises to strengthen regional cooperation. Cruise & Route News for the French Caribbean: Air France adds a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route (launch Dec 11, 2026, twice weekly), designed to connect travelers from Fort-de-France and French Guiana onward via Copa in Panama. Club Med Expansion (Including Martinique): Club Med says it plans to reach 100 resorts by 2035; renovations are highlighted at Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek in Martinique, debuting a new adults-only “Zen Oasis.” Caribbean Air Connectivity Shift: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue certain Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados direct flights from Sept 2, while continuing service via alternative options; it also plans to reduce Martinique/Guadeloupe frequency to twice weekly. Travel Tech for the Region: Kyivstar launches a travel-focused eSIM for mobile internet roaming, available in Martinique and Guadeloupe among other destinations. On-the-ground Safety Note: Nova Scotia lifeguard supervision is wrapping up for many beaches as summer ends, including Martinique Beach in Halifax County. Local Culture & Experiences (Regional): Grenada’s tourism authority joins Atas to grow UK demand for experiences beyond the beach, signaling a broader “soft adventure” push across the region.

French Caribbean Military Cooperation: A French platoon from Martinique (2nd Company, 33e RIMa) trained in Curaçao this week with CURMIL, mixing amphibious drills, urban tactical exercises, and joint maneuvers at the former St. Elisabeth Hospital complex. Martinique Tourism & Resort News: Club Med says it plans to grow to 100 resorts by 2035, highlighting renovations including Buccaneer’s Creek in Martinique with a new adults-only Zen Oasis. Air Connectivity for Travelers: Air France launches a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route on Dec 11, 2026 (twice weekly), designed to connect passengers from Fort-de-France and onward via Copa in Panama. Regional Flight Changes: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue direct Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return flights effective Sept 2, while also reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly. Cruise Option for the French Caribbean: Corendon will offer a 14-day Renaissance cruise starting in Aruba on Dec 3, calling at Martinique and ending in Curaçao on Dec 16. Travel Tech for the Region: Kyivstar launches a travel eSIM with mobile data roaming available in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Culture & Events: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns Oct 23–25 with NE-YO and major Caribbean acts, plus Martinique’s Maurane Voyer.

Air Connectivity: Air France launches a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route on Dec 11, 2026 (twice weekly), designed to help travelers from Martinique and French Guiana connect via Panama to Latin America. Cruise Tourism: Corendon will offer a 14-day Caribbean cruise starting in Aruba on Dec 3, 2026, with calls including Martinique and ending in Curaçao on Dec 16—creating a fresh boarding option for the region. Resort Growth: Club Med says it plans to reach 100 resorts worldwide by 2035 (from 60 today), with continued upgrades including its Martinique property set to debut an adults-only “Zen Oasis.” Regional Travel Disruption: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue certain Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return flights from Sept 2, while keeping connectivity through other services. Martinique Link: A French platoon based in Martinique trained in Curaçao this week, boosting joint amphibious and urban tactical cooperation. Culture & Events: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns Oct 23–25 with NE-YO headlining, plus major Caribbean acts including Machel Montano and Maxi Priest.

Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue its Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return flights effective September 2, with passengers re-accommodated on same-day options; the airline also plans to cut Martinique and Guadeloupe services to twice weekly. French Caribbean Access: Air France launches a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route on December 11, twice weekly, designed to help travelers connect onward via Panama (including from Fort-de-France). Cruise Growth: Corendon will start a 14-day “Renaissance” cruise from Aruba on December 3, calling at Martinique and other eastern Caribbean stops before ending in Curaçao on December 16. Martinique Tourism Boost: MSC Cruises says its Winter 2027/2028 “MSC World Asia” will offer 7- and 14-night itineraries with embarkation from Fort-de-France, alongside Pointe-à-Pitre and Bridgetown. On-the-Ground Travel Ideas: A new guide highlights top Caribbean street-food spots for the upcoming winter season, including Martinique among the best casual, local eats. Sustainability & Heritage: Eroding coastlines in the French Caribbean are exposing and destroying slave-era graves, raising urgency for coastal protection.

Air Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue its Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return flights effective September 2, but says it will keep connectivity via other services and will re-accommodate affected passengers. Martinique Tourism & Stays: Club Med says it plans to grow to 100 resorts by 2035, highlighting renovations at its Martinique property Buccaneer’s Creek with a new adults-only Zen Oasis. Cruise Growth: Corendon will launch a 14-day Caribbean cruise starting in Aruba on December 3, calling at Martinique and ending in Curaçao on December 16—adding another easy way to stitch together French Caribbean stops. Regional Air Links: Air France adds a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from December 11, designed to connect travelers from Fort-de-France and French Guiana onward via Copa. Sustainable Tourism: Grenada will host the 35th CWWA conference (Oct 12–16) focused on water security, climate resilience, and waste management—good news for long-term destination resilience. Marine & Heritage: Eroding coastlines in Guadeloupe are exposing slave-era graves at Raisins-Clairs, a reminder that coastal protection matters for culture and tourism. Travel Tech: Kyivstar launches a travel-focused roaming eSIM available in Martinique and Guadeloupe, aimed at easier mobile internet for visitors. On-the-ground Safety: Nova Scotia lifeguards are wrapping up supervision as summer ends, including Martinique Beach—useful as a reminder of how beach staffing supports safer travel.

Resort Growth: Club Med says it wants to reach 100 resorts worldwide by 2035, up from 60 today, with major upgrades including Martinique’s Club Med Buccaneer’s Creek adding a new adults-only Zen Oasis. Air Connectivity Watch: EU funding rule changes could squeeze smaller French regional airports from April 2027, raising concerns about rural air links. Regional Flight Changes: Caribbean Airlines will end direct Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return flights from Sept 2 as it optimizes schedules, while also reducing Martinique/Guadeloupe service to twice weekly. Cruise Routes for the French Caribbean: Air France adds a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route from Dec 11, designed to connect travelers onward via Copa, and MSC Cruises reshuffles Winter 2027/28 deployments with MSC World Asia sailing from Fort-de-France and MSC World Europa staying in the Western Mediterranean. Tourism Experiences: Grenada joins ATAS to push more than beach holidays, focusing on nature, culture and soft adventure. Travel Tech: Kyivstar launches a roaming Travel SIM eSIM available in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Sports & Culture: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25) announces NE-YO and a wide Caribbean lineup, while Martinique fans may also note the wider regional Nations League schedule featuring nearby matchups.

Air Connectivity: Air France launches a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route on Dec 11, 2026 (twice weekly), designed to help travelers connect onward via Panama—also timed for connections from Fort-de-France (Martinique) and Cayenne (French Guiana). Cruise Growth: Corendon will offer a 14-day “Renaissance” Caribbean cruise starting in Aruba on Dec 3, 2026, with calls including Martinique and ending in Curaçao on Dec 16—adding a fresh boarding option for the wider French Caribbean. Martinique in the Spotlight (Cruise Deployments): MSC Cruises says Winter 2027/28 will bring MSC World Asia to the South Caribbean with embarkation from Fort-de-France (Martinique) plus Pointe-à-Pitre and Bridgetown, while MSC World Europa stays in the Western Mediterranean. Travel Disruption: Caribbean Airlines will discontinue direct Trinidad/Tobago/Barbados return services from Sept 2, rerouting passengers via alternative same-day options. Local Safety & Tourism: Nova Scotia’s beach shark sightings are prompting calls for better monitoring, but officials say drones aren’t planned—useful context for beach safety planning across the region. Culture & Events: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25, 2026) announces major international names including NE-YO and Martinique’s Maurane Voyer. Heritage Under Threat: Erosion at a Guadeloupe beach is exposing and destroying an enslaved people’s cemetery, highlighting how coastal change can erase tourism sites and history.

Air Connectivity: Air France launches a new nonstop route between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Panama City on December 11, 2026, twice weekly, with schedules designed to connect onward for travelers from Fort-de-France (Martinique) and French Guiana via Panama. Cruise Options for the French Caribbean: Corendon will offer a 14-day Caribbean cruise starting December 3, 2026, with passengers able to board in Aruba; the itinerary includes Martinique and ends in Curaçao on December 16. Cruise Deployment Boost: MSC Cruises is reshuffling Winter 2027/28 sailings—MSC World Asia will operate in the South Caribbean with embarkation in Fort-de-France (Martinique) and Pointe-à-Pitre, while MSC World Europa stays in the Western Mediterranean. Travel Tech for Visitors: Kyivstar introduces a Travel SIM eSIM for roaming mobile internet, available in Martinique and French Guiana among other destinations. Heritage & Coasts: Erosion is exposing and destroying a slave cemetery at Raisins-Clairs beach in Saint-François, Guadeloupe, raising urgency for coastal protection. On-Island Culture: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns October 23–25, 2026, with major acts including NE-YO and Martinique’s Maurane Voyer.

Air Connectivity: Air France launches a new nonstop route between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Panama City on Dec 11, 2026 (twice weekly), with schedules designed to connect travelers from Fort-de-France (Martinique) and onward via Copa. Cruise Options for the French Caribbean: Corendon’s Renaissance sets up a 14-day Caribbean cruise starting Dec 3, 2026, with boarding in Aruba and a stop at Martinique (plus Guadeloupe, Saint Lucia, Barbados and more) before ending in Curaçao on Dec 16. Big Ship Deployment Shift: MSC Cruises moves MSC World Asia to the South Caribbean for winter 2027/28, with embarkation in Fort-de-France (Martinique) and Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe), while MSC World Europa stays in the Western Mediterranean. Travel Deals for Advisors: MSC expands its Fly & Cruise and Flex Air programs for Canadian agents, adding packages from Fort-de-France and Pointe-à-Pitre (via MSC World Europa) and boosting commission on the air portion. Music & Tourism Pull: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns Oct 23–25, 2026 at Windsor Park, with major international stars including NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest and Martinique’s Maurane Voyer, plus regional acts—tickets and accommodations are already available.

Cruise Boost for the French Caribbean: Corendon is launching a 14-day Renaissance cruise that starts in Aruba on Dec 3, 2026 and ends in Curaçao on Dec 16, with stops including Martinique (plus Saint Lucia, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Tortola, Sint Maarten, Antigua & Barbuda, and Bonaire). New Air Links via Panama: Air France adds a nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route starting Dec 11, 2026 (twice weekly), designed to connect travelers from Fort-de-France in Martinique and onward across Latin America via Copa. Martinique in the Spotlight at Sea: MSC Cruises’ Winter 2027/28 reshuffle keeps MSC World Asia sailing from Fort-de-France (Martinique) and Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe), with 7- and 14-night itineraries across the South Caribbean. On-the-Ground Safety & Events: Nova Scotia lifeguards say they won’t use shark-detecting drones, while Canada’s Surf Life Saving Championships run at Martinique Beach this weekend. Culture Calendar: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25, 2026) spotlights NE-YO and includes Martinique’s Maurane Voyer.

Cruise & Connectivity: Corendon is launching a 14-day Caribbean cruise from Aruba this December, with stops including Martinique before the trip ends in Curaçao (passengers arrange their own return to Aruba). Air Access: Air France adds a new nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre–Panama City route starting Dec 11, 2026, designed to connect travelers from Fort-de-France (Martinique) and French Guiana onward via Copa. Big Ship Deployments (Martinique-linked): MSC Cruises reshuffles Winter 2027/28 plans: MSC World Asia will sail the South Caribbean with embarkation from Fort-de-France, plus Guadeloupe and Barbados, calling at regional islands including Dominica. Events & Culture: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25, 2026) announces a major lineup featuring NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Martinique’s Maurane Voyer. Heritage & Safety Watch: In Guadeloupe, coastal erosion is exposing slave-era graves at Raisins-Clairs; separately, Nova Scotia beach officials say they won’t use shark-detecting drones despite sightings.

Cruise Routes for Martinique: Corendon will run a 14-day Caribbean cruise this December with a stop in Martinique—boarding in Aruba (Dec 3) and ending in Curaçao (Dec 16), with travelers arranging their own return flight to Aruba. MSC Deployment Shift: MSC Cruises is reshuffling Winter 2027/28 sailings: MSC World Asia will depart from Fort-de-France (Martinique) on 7- and 14-night South Caribbean itineraries, while MSC World Europa stays in the Western Mediterranean instead of the Middle East. Music Festival Buzz (Regional): Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25) has a star-studded lineup including Martinique’s Maurane Voyer, alongside NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest and more—tickets and accommodations are available. Martinique Stay Idea: Le Domaine des Bulles in Le Vauclin is offering a standout lodging concept—sleeping in a transparent bubble dome surrounded by tropical trees, with only four units. Heritage Under Threat (French Caribbean): Coastal erosion in Guadeloupe’s Raisins-Clairs beach is exposing and destroying an enslaved people’s cemetery, highlighting how quickly history can be lost to the sea.

Martinique Stays in the Spotlight for Cruise Travelers: MSC Cruises has reshuffled its Winter 2027/28 plans, sending MSC World Asia to the South Caribbean with embarkation from Fort-de-France (Martinique) plus Pointe-à-Pitre and Bridgetown, and redeploying MSC World Europa to the Western Mediterranean instead of the Middle East. Music & Culture Tourism: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25, 2026) is set to draw regional visitors with a star-heavy lineup including NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton, Fridayy, and Martinique’s Maurane Voyer, alongside other Caribbean and Creole acts. Heritage Under Threat (French Caribbean): Coastal erosion is exposing and destroying a long-hidden cemetery of enslaved people on Guadeloupe’s Raisins-Clairs beach, raising urgency for protection of vulnerable sites. Unique Stays in Martinique: Le Domaine des Bulles in Le Vauclin is offering a standout lodging concept—sleeping in a transparent bubble surrounded by tropical trees—plus breakfast and wellness, with only four bubble rooms. Marine Life Interest: A new study effort in Trinidad and Tobago uses underwater recorders to better understand manatees—good news for wildlife-focused travelers across the region.

Marine Life & Research: A Trinidad and Tobago PhD candidate, Aimee Boisselle, is using underwater acoustic recorders to study manatees in Nariva—aiming to fill a long-standing data gap and support better conservation policies. Regional Sports: Trinidad and Tobago’s Derek King says the Soca Warriors are ready for the Concacaf Nations League, opening Sept 23 vs Haiti in Kingston, then hosting the Dominican Republic Sept 27. Heritage Under Threat: Coastal erosion in Guadeloupe’s Raisins-Clairs beach is exposing and destroying a historic cemetery for enslaved people, with researchers warning many more graves may be lost to the sea. Cruise & Travel Planning: MSC Cruises is reshuffling Winter 2027/28 deployments—MSC World Asia will depart from Fort-de-France (Martinique) for South Caribbean itineraries, while MSC World Europa stays in the Western Mediterranean. Music Tourism: Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival (Oct 23–25) has a star-heavy lineup including NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, and Martinique’s Maurane Voyer, with tickets already on sale. Martinique Stays, Unusual: Le Domaine des Bulles in Le Vauclin offers just four transparent “bubble” rooms, blending breakfast, table d’hôte dining, and wellness in a wooded setting.

Cruise & Air Access: MSC Cruises is reshaping Winter 2027/28 sailings, keeping MSC World Europa in the Western Mediterranean and redeploying MSC World Asia to the South Caribbean—with embarkation in Fort-de-France (Martinique) and calls across the region. Festival Buzz (Creole Music): Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival returns Oct 23–25, 2026 at Windsor Park, with major names including NE-YO, Machel Montano, Maxi Priest, Alkaline, Skillibeng, Uncle Waffles, Capleton and Fridayy, plus regional acts such as Martinique’s Maurane Voyer. Sports Tourism (Nations League): Trinidad and Tobago’s Concacaf Nations League campaign kicks off Sept 23 in Kingston vs Haiti, with the full group schedule spanning home matches in Port-of-Spain and trips to Curaçao. Heritage & Safety (Coast Erosion): In Guadeloupe, coastal erosion is exposing and destroying an enslaved people’s cemetery on a popular beach—an urgent reminder for Caribbean heritage sites. Martinique Stay Ideas: A new “transparent bubble” hotel concept in Le Vauclin, Martinique, offers a standout lodging experience with wellness and table d’hôte dining. Travel Planning Note: If you’re moving within the U.S., Social Security payments can change depending on state taxes—worth checking before relocating.