Mrs. Karine Roy Camille, Tourism Commissioner, The Board of Directors and everyone at the Martinique Tourism Authority wish you a Happy New Year!
MARTINIQUE C'EST MAGNIFIQUE!
AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ISLAND:
The Caribbean island with French flair, The Isle of Flowers, the Rum Capital of the Wolrd, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aime Cesaire) – by any one of its many names, Martinique remains one of the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world. Named "Top Caribbean Destination for Delectable Dining of the Year 2009" by Caribbean Travel + Life Magazine and "Top Caribbean Destination" by About.com in 2010, Martinique is an overseas region of France that stirs the passions with distinctive culinary delights, awe-inspiring natural beauty, a rich cultural history, warm smiles and so much more. Napoleon's bride, Empress Josephine, was born and raised here. Majestic Mt.Pelee and the Pompeii of the Caribbean, St Pierre, is found here. The finest French products, from Chanel fashions to Limoges porcelain, are readily available here. La Route des Rhums, a tour of the world's finest rum distilleries based on France's famed Route des Vins, is offered here. A special place, to be sure, with so much to offer – Martinique c'est Magnifique!
JUST BACK
Mrs. Carole Gordon-Young, a consultant from Washington Crossing Travel a suburban based travel agency with more than 18 years of experience, specializing in high end leisure travel and golf packages), recently experienced with more than 18 years of experience, specializing in high end leisure travel and golf packages, recently experienced Martinique for the first time. Here is what she wanted to share with you:
"My husband and I sailed into Fort-de-France visiting Martinique for the first time. We were immediately impressed by the turquoise sea and the beautiful sand beaches. Upon touring the island, the scenery was awesome ~ beautiful landscape, flowers, and gently rolling hills. Islanders were quick to smile, friendly, and very helpful. We definitely plan to revisit and spend a longer time on this enchanting island."
Carole Gordon –Young, Washington Crossing Travel
WHAT'S NEW?
DISNEY MAGIC AND OCEANA CRUISES REGATTA INAUGURAL CRUISE STOPS TO MARTINIQUE
On December 24th , the majestic Disney Magic docked in Martinique for the first time, with 2612 passengers onboard, who were given the opportunity to explore Martinique, choosing from a wide range of excursions or experiencing the wonders of the capital city of Fort-de-France and enjoying the program of entertainment that had been put together to welcome them.
The Martinique Chamber of Commerce, the Martinique Tourism Authority and the Fort-de-France Tourist Office joined forces offering visitors live entertainment, including Carnival marching bands, kids oriented shows featuring local mascots, joyful clowns, art and craft vendors - perfect timing for some local Christmas shopping!
Also, aboard the ship, John Barwis, Captain of Disney Magic, welcomed a delegation including Mrs Camille Roy-Camille the Tourism Commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority, Frantz Thodiard, Managing Director of the Port and Airport facilities, Mrs Eliane Chalono, President of the Fort-de France Tourist Office and Representatives of the Cruise sector of the island.
Martinique was honored to receive a Disney Magic Thank You plaque and Mrs. Karine Roy Camille, Tourism Commissioner, offered a Martinique Welcome plaque to Captain John Barwis.
Mrs. Karine Roy-Camille offering a Martinique handmade Welcome Plaque to Captain John Barwis
Martinique is looking forward to hopefully welcoming again the Disney Magic soon!
Just a few days later, on December 28th, Martinique also had the pleasure to welcome, for the first time the Oceana Cruises Regatta with its 661 passengers.
Jacques Bajal, Manager Cruise and Watersports at the Martinique Tourist Office, Andre Trudo from the Cruise department, aboard the Oceana Cruises Regatta, with Captain Vitaly Slvachynsky and two officers from his team
Reopening of emblematic La Savane Park, the heart of Fort-de-France, the capital city
La Savane Park has been recently reopened, after undergoing a major renovation plan that lasted 4 years. This 12 acres lush park was inaugurated 400 years ago and is a vivid part of Fort-de-France landscape, history and daily lifestyle.
Now, after a 33 million US$ renovation, la Savane is more than ever the place to be in downtown Fort-de-France! Located just a few minutes away from the cruise terminals, La Savane Park will soon offer visitors a choice of 18 shops, creole restaurants, cafes where one can enjoy a spicy conch salad, a french crepe, a delicious guava sorbet or a refreshing local beer. Local artisans also display some of the nicest and unique art and crafts.
The Mile de la Liberte (Mile of Freedoom) is a wonderful promenade designed for the pleasure of visitors and locals alike.
The People of Martinique, Creators of Paradise
On January 12th, students from Jacques Roumain Junior High School dressed to the nines in traditional Martinique costumes greeted visitors on call with the Noordam, with dances, songs and food tasting
This initiative comes shortly after the launching of a new campaign by the Martinique Tourism Authority, entitled The People of Martinique, Creators of Paradise and aiming at raising awareness on the key roles the people of Martinique play in the development of tourism on the island.
UPCOMING EVENTS
March
- March 5-9: Carnival
- A full 5-day celebration of Carnival, including Ash Wednesday Join the Party!
- March 4-11: 2nd International Competition for Classical Guitar Alexandre Lagoya
- Recitals, concerts, master classes, exhibitions and conferences www.concourslagoya.unblog.fr
- March 23-26: Governor's Cup
- Caribbean Air Challenge www.airrally.com
- Participants: 35-40 teams with planes, seaplanes and helicopters, a very spectator event!
May
- May of Saint-Pierre
- Exhibitions, shows, rides...
- Saint-Pierre, classified city of Art and History, destroyed by the Mount Pelee volcano in May 1902 organizes this annual event in celebration of its heritage, culture, history.
- Saint-Pierre Tourist Office: 011 596 596 78 21 51
- May 9-15: Culinary Week of Sainte-Marie
- Weeklong festival celebrates Martinique's unique gastronomy; combining the best of traditional French cuisine with Creole flavors.
- Sainte-Marie Tourist Office: 011 596 596 69 13 83
- Lamentin Jazz Project
- This free Music Festival will bring together Canada, USA and Africa!
- Lamentin Culture Office: 011 596 596 51 75 55