Air Transat and Air Canada have winter routes to the destination
Rapidly growing air service between this country and Martinique has Martinique tourism officials upbeat about their winter prospects in the Canadian market.
Karine Roy-Camille, who oversees the Martinique Tourism Authority in this country, said during a Tuesday Toronto gathering that this winter will see 18 weekly flights from Quebec and Ontario to her destination, with 4 weekly flights from Toronto, an increase from the one weekly flight from the Ontario capital to the Caribbean island last winter.
“Thanks to the collective efforts of all our partners, we are pleased to see Air Canada increase its service to two weekly flights (from Toronto) during the winter 2026-2027 season. At the same time, we are delighted to welcome Air Transat, which will also operate two weekly flights to Martinique (from Toronto),” she told Toronto travel agents.
“These developments represent far more than additional seats. They offer greater flexibility, more convenient travel options and increased accessibility for Canadian travellers. Whether your clients are seeking a relaxing one-week escape, a longer immersion into our culture or a customized Caribbean itinerary, they will have far more opportunities than ever to discover Martinique.”
There will be winter service to Martinique from Quebec City and Montreal as well.
Roy-Camille billed her island as a “French-Creole destination,” with Martinique being part of France but having many Creole influences, and said locals will be happy to encounter English-speaking vacationers.
“We don’t speak perfect Shakespearean English,” she said. “We are not afraid to make mistakes. What we’re afraid of is not connecting with (vacationing) people.
“This is why we love English-speaking Canadians.”
Martinique has a Club Med property but it hasn’t gone the all-inclusive route in the same way many other Caribbean islands have.
Roy-Camille noted it’s also attracting more cruise ships, including the upscale Orient Express Corinthian, which recently called and will be returning. Other cruise companies that visit Martinique include Explora, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Ponant and Royal Caribbean.
Roy-Camille’s tourism office colleague Maryne Maisonnave in turn told the audience that those visiting Martinique won’t encounter “any bad surprises,” with the destination being safe and sanitary.
She praised the capital of Fort-de-France as a “vibrant city” that features historic attractions, including the 17th-century Fort Louis.
Northeastern Martinique features “dense tropical forest” and visitors will see a “contrast between the green and the blue of the Caribbean,” she said.
Southeastern Martinique in turn has coral reefs, while southwestern Martinique scenery “is the typical postcard of the Caribbean.”
Maisonnave said her island has varied accommodation options, including villas that can accommodate 20 people.
She said the island is a “paradise for watersports” and has “300 kms of marked trails for hikers.”
Martinique bills itself as the Rum Capital of the Caribbean and has 15 rum distilleries, with rum tastings available.
“We’re a French island but with a strong Caribbean identity,” she added.
Roy-Camille also used the evening to thank travel agents and others in the industry.
“As travel advisors, tour operators, journalists, content creators and tourism partners, you are our ambassadors,” she said. “You inspire travellers… Through your recommendations, your programs, your articles and your commitment, more and more Canadians are choosing Martinique as their Caribbean destination.”
