Guadeloupe Islands Record Whopping 26 Percent Increase in 2013 Hotel Bookings

Tourism officials in the Guadeloupe Islands are reporting that the destination has recorded a 26 percent increase in hotel room night bookings in 2013 compared to 2012. 

As a result, the French-Caribbean archipelago has become one of the Caribbean's rising destinations, according to a recent report by Kuoni Global Travel Service.
 

While mainland France continues to be the largest source of visitors to Guadeloupe Islands, Germany, Sweden and the United States have become the destination's fastest growing source markets in 2013. The uptick in arrivals from the United States is attributed to new airline routes which opened in spring 2013. 

New flights include American Airlines weekly nonstop service between Miami and Pointe-à-Pitre and Seaborne Airlines, in code share with American Airlines, nonstop service four times per week between San Juan and Pointe-à-Pitre.
 
In November 2013, the destination became even more accessible for U.S. travelers with JetBlue Airways' new interline agreement with Seaborne Airlines. JetBlue travelers now enjoy a seamless connection in San Juan without having to claim and rechecked their luggage. JetBlue-Seaborne Guadeloupe Islands tickets are currently available for travel professionals to book in GDS and will be available on www.JetBlue.com in the first quarter of 2014.

Since opening its US office in November 2012, the Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board has launched various initiatives designed to introduce and attract American clients to the French-Caribbean archipelago. 

These include:

"Let Me Show You My Islands"

A digital campaign starring international renowned Model/Actor/DJ and Guadeloupean, Willy Monfret included a five-part video series and a sweepstakes prize of a seven-night stay at La Creole Beach Hotel & Spa with air on American Airlines. Visit www.youtube.com/user/GuadeloupeIslands.

Air-Inclusive Themed Packages

With the launch of new airline routes servicing the U.S. market, the Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board partnered with Los Angeles-based tour operator, EuroBound, and six properties to offer nine exclusive packages. The offers are available for booking through December 31, 2014 and travel professionals can earn up to 14 percent commission with Eurobound. Visit www.guadeloupe-islands.com.

Travel Professional Training Program

To educate travel agents on selling the destination, the tourist board launched the Guadeloupe Islands Destination Specialist training program in October 2013 in partnership with Recommend Magazine. Travel agents on completing the program are qualified for year-end rewards of up to $1,000 and FAM trips to Guadeloupe Islands. Visit www.edu.recommend.com/Guadeloupe.

Visit www.guadeloupe-islands.com and www.facebook.com/GuadeloupeIslands.