TORONTO — The Martinique Tourism Authority celebrated the first nonstop flight from Toronto to Martinique with a lively gate party at Toronto Pearson over the weekend.

The first flight took off Saturday, Dec. 16 with a who’s who in attendance at Pearson’s Terminal 1, including Martinique’s Tourism Commissioner, Bénédicte di Géronimo as well as other Martinique delegates and Air Canada representatives.

“This new route, more than an air connection, opens doors to new opportunities, strengthening our commitment to elevate Martinique to the top of must-visit Caribbean tourist destinations,” said di Géronimo. “As of today, Martinique has officially become more accessible to Canadians than ever with up to six weekly flights from Canada, among others. What an amazing journey! I would like here to thank especially Air Canada for their unwavering cooperation and support.”

Di Geronimo was in Toronto last month for ‘Martinique Sensation’, an industry event at Hotel X Toronto. The new route, linking Toronto and Fort-de-France, was first announced in April and builds on Air Canada’s existing direct service from Montreal.

Di Géronimo noted that Martinique, nicknamed the ‘Isle of Flowers’, is seeing a surge of popularity with Canadian travellers, thanks to its broad array of experiences and safe environment. The island is also known for its French-Creole cuisine and rums, its heritage, and its UNESCO-recognized natural beauty.

Earlier this year di Géronimo confirmed Canada’s growing importance as a key market; this market is now Martinique’s second-largest source of tourism arrivals. Air Canada is now the leading carrier between Canada and the French Caribbean.

Di Géronimo expressed her deep gratitude to Air Canada, represented at the Dec. 16 gate party by Air Canada’s Manager, Global Sales and Tourism Partnerships, Audrey Tanguay Beaudette. “Our gratitude also goes to you, our first passengers and travellers who seized this opportunity to discover our magnificent, welcoming and authentic island. Martinique loves you!” said di Géronimo.

For more details about travel to Martinique see https://us.martinique.org/.

Photo Caption: Karine Roy-Camille, Deputy Director Americas, Martinique Promotion Bureau, CMT Canada; Angela Bruno, Routes Marketing Manager, Air Canada; Audrey Tanguay-Beaudette, Manager, Sales & Tourism Partnerships, Air Canada; Bénédicte di Géronimo, Martinique Tourism Commissioner; Muriel Wiltord, Director Americas, Martinique Tourism Authority; Jean-Sébastien Esposito, Marketing & Promotions Officer, Martinique Tourism Authority