The Martinique Tourism Authority (MTA) brought a welcome dose of tropical sunshine (even if imagined on a snowy, downcast day) and French-Caribbean flair (not imagined) to Toronto for ‘Martinique Sensation’ 2025 Tuesday, which welcomed dozens of tourism professionals, media members, and travel agents at the Malaparte Event Space for a celebration of all things Martinique ahead of the winter travel season.
“We are so pleased to be back in Ontario again, and though we needed a day or two to adjust to the weather, we were instantly warmed by the strong connection we enjoy with our Canadian friends and partners,” said Muriel Wiltord, Director Americas of the Martinique Tourism Authority. “We’re continuing to build upon the momentum we established in-market earlier this year, and sharing the authentic, accessible Martinique experience that has resonated so strongly with Canadian travellers.”
The “Island of Flowers” has is proving to be increasingly popular with Canadians, as evidenced by news that Air Canada will continue to offer direct flights out of Montreal (year- round) and direct flights out of Toronto through the winter, supplementing the Dec. 7 debut of a new direct flight from Quebec City to Fort-de-France.
In remarks and presentations delivered to attendees, the MTA highlighted Martinique’s deep history and gastronomic pedigree, which includes the distillation of the country’s signature rhum agricole.
Safety, shared language and values, and modern infrastructure are some of the pillars of Martinique’s appeal to Canadians, who also prize the destination’s verdant volcanic landscape, lavish yet intimate properties, and UNESCO-recognized status as a Biosphere Reserve, observed presenters.
Between 2024 and 2025, the destination welcomed over 465,000 cruise passengers, spurring the construction of a now-completed cruise village featuring eight kiosks and tented spaces for local vendors as the island looks ahead to the MSC Opera’s maiden voyage out of Fort-de-France in Winter 2026.
The delegation in attendance from Martinique included representatives from Archipel Evasion, Avis, Club Med, Ecolodge Domaine de Puyfferat, Hôtel Bambou, Hôtel Panoramic, Karibéa Hôtel, La Savane des Esclaves, Natiyabel, Tropical Tour, Village Créole, Kaouanne, and Tangarane.
Canadian attendees were invited to participate in one-on-one and group workshops with the hoteliers, spas, and restaurants, before enjoying a concluding cocktail reception and the awarding of several incredible door prizes.
Martinique previously made waves this year in French Canada with Martinique Gourmande, a 13-day September festival that saw 50 bars and restaurants across Quebec participate in a tribute to Martinique’s cuisine.
“Much like Canada, Martinique is a country of diverse languages, of diverse influences, and of course, diverse experiences,” said Karine Roy-Camille, Deputy Director Americas of the
Martinique Promotion Bureau. “We continue to deepen our long-standing commitment to this market not only because we already have so much in common, but because we see the potential to continue to grow together in exciting new ways in the future.”
Cruise
The French-Caribbean destination also continues to be popular with cruisers (photo above). In 2024-25, Martinique reported a total of 465,470 cruise arrivals, reflecting record levels of international demand.
Looking ahead, the MTA reports MSC Cruises will return to Martinique in 2026 and 2027, with the MSC Opera launching itineraries out of Fort-de-France, marking Martinique’s first summertime homeport operation.
At the same time, renovations and additions are underway at the Grand Port Maritime de la Martinique, which has recently added a new passenger walkway and is set to welcome a dedicated cruise village (consisting of kiosks and tented areas for service providers).
While Canadians have traditionally enjoyed direct flight access to Fort-de-France, the renewed focus on cruising presents another way visitors from this country to discover the island, says MTA.
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