Press Room

MARTINIQUE FAST FACTS – 2011 / 2012
Essential information on The Caribbean Island with French Flair

NEW YORK, NY – 2011-10-20
First sighted by Columbus on his initial expedition in 1493, Martinique played host to its first European “tourists” in 1502 when Columbus landed there during his fourth voyage. Dubbed Martinique by Columbus, the island was inhabited by Carib Indians who had driven away the Arawaks (both tribes had come to the island from South America). Martinique was claimed by France in 1635 and officially annexed in 1674. France and Britain fought over the island until 1815, when France prevailed. Slavery was abolished in 1848. In 1946, Martinique became a Department of France and in 1974 a Region of France, its current status.
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MARTINIQUE PROMOTION BUREAU/CMT USA WINS SILVER MAGELLAN AWARD
La Route des Rhums earns accolades for ties to local culture

NEW YORK, NY – 2011-10-20
The Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA was recently named among the winners of Travel Weekly’s Magellan Awards. Among the travel industry’s top honors, Magellan Awards recognize the very best in marketing and design services. Martinique received a Silver Magellan Award for its communications campaign in support of La Route des Rhums, a self-guided rum-themed tour of the island modeled after France’s famed Route des Vins.
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MARTINIQUE TOURISM AUTHORITY FORECASTS STRONG 2011/2012 CRUISE SEASON
Costa, Holland America, MSC, Seabourn, Windstar among top cruise lines calling on Martinique this winter

NEW YORK, NY – 2011-10-20
The Martinique Tourism Authority is forecasting a strong 2011-2012 cruise season, as some of the top lines in the cruise industry will make port in Fort-de-France this winter. More than 100 port calls are scheduled between November 4, 2011 and April 28, 2012, bringing a maximum total capacity in excess of 125,000 passengers. Notable cruise lines featuring Martinique in their winter 2011-2012 itineraries include Club Med, Costa Cruises, Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, MSC Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Seabourn, Star Clippers, Windstar Cruises.
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MARTINIQUE SET TO WELCOME ACCLAIMED INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS FOR 2011 JAZZFEST
Caribbean’s longest running jazzfest dating back to 1983 to be held November 24 to December 4

NEW YORK, NY – 2011-10-19
Final preparations have been made for the 2011 edition of the annual Martinique JazzFest, with a stellar line-up of international artists set to put on another epic show November 24 to December 4, 2011. The Caribbean’s longest running jazz festival dating back to 1983, the Martinique Jazz Festival has welcomed some of the biggest names on the world music scene over its history.
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VIVE LA RENAISSANCE OF FORT-DE-FRANCE
Re-development of iconic La Savane Park & Le Malecon completed ahead of winter 2011-2012 peak travel season

NEW YORK, NY – 2011-10-18
Long noted as one of the crown jewels of Caribbean cities, Fort-de-France in Martinique is now better than ever thanks to a recently completed capital improvement program encompassing two of the city’s prime attractions – La Savane Park and Le Malecon.
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