TORONTO — Martinique, affectionately known as ‘The Island of Flowers’, gave travel advisors from Toronto and the GTA a warm French-Caribbean welcome at yesterday’s ‘Martinique Sensation’ industry event.
Hosted by the Martinique Tourism Authority (MTA) at the Malaparte Event Space, this year’s Martinique Sensation brought together travel advisors, media, suppliers and more for a celebration of all things Martinique – just in time for the busy 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.
Travel advisors braved the snow to attend the 2025 edition of Martinique Sensation in Toronto
Wiltord added that the MTA is “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.”
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.
Travel advisors had a chance to connect with Martinique reps and suppliers
Meanwhile Martinique’s reputation as a lovely and welcoming cruise port continues to grow. Between 2024 and 2025, the destination welcomed over 465,000 cruise passengers. A recently-completed cruise village features eight kiosks and tented spaces for local vendors. The MTA is eagerly anticipating MSC Opera’s maiden voyage out of Fort-de-France in winter 2026.
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, said the MTA. Martinique’s deep history and gastronomic pedigree includes the distillation of the country’s signature rhum agricole.
The delegation at last night’s event included representatives from Archipel Evasion, Avis, Club Med, Ecolodge Domaine de Puyfferat, Hotel Bambou, Hotel Panoramic, Karibea Hotel, La Savane des Esclaves, Natiyabel, Tropical Tour, Village Creole, Kaouanne and Tangerine.
Travel advisors were invited to participate in one-on-one and group workshops with these Martinique hoteliers, spas and restaurants, ahead of a cocktail reception and prizes.
“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.”
More details about Martinique can be found at Martinique.org.
Caption for main photo at top: Muriel Wiltord, Director, Americas of the Martinique Tourism Authority and Karine Roy-Camille, Deputy Director, Americas of the Martinique Promotion Bureau (photos credit Michelle Zimmer)
