On Site - What's New in Martinique

martiniqueLE FRANCOIS, Martinique - As part as Travel Agent's onsite visit of Martinique, we pulled together some new sales pitches for agents looking to send clients to this growingly popular French Caribbean getaway, including the first direct flights from mainland U.S.

American Airlines Launches Direct Flights from Miami to Fort-de-France

Travel Agent was on hand this past weekend at the Miami International Airport for the official ceremony to ring in the first direct flights to Fort-de-France, Martinique from mainland U.S. The flights between Miami and Martinique’s Aime Cesare International Airport will be operated on Saturdays. Previously, U.S. clients had to connect to Martinique through San Juan, Puerto Rico. Not only is the news big on the surface, but we also expect this to be the tip of the iceberg and possibly lead to direct flights from New York in the near future.

Quantum of the Seas to Call in Martinique?

Travel Agent chatted with Muriel Wiltord, director of the Martinique Promotion Bureau for the Americas, who told us the Bureau is currently in discussions with Royal Caribbean International to have the Quantum of the Seas ship call in Martinique for the 2014-2015 season. This year, in fact, marked the first time Royal Caribbean International returned to the destination after a four-year hiatus. The Quantum-class ships will become the second largest class of passenger ships behind Royal Caribbean International's Oasis class ships. Quantum of the Seas is expected to debut in the fall of 2014.

Travel Impressions to Offer Martinique in 2013

Travel Agent spoke with Dot Brunnhoelzl, business development manager for Travel Impressions, who told us the popular tour operator to the Caribbean will be adding Martinique to its portfolio. Although no official launch date has been announced, Brunnhoelzl told us she expects Travel Impressions to offer the destination in about a month or so.

Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all the latest Caribbean news and stay tuned for profiles of our host hotels during our onsite coverage.

Visit www.martinique.org.