TORONTO — A delegation of reps from the St. Martin Tourism Office hosted members of trade and media at the Fairmont Royal York recently, and they came with good news and optimism about the upcoming winter travel season.

The destination is expecting the return of Canadian travellers this winter. Over one million visitors flock to St. Martin each year, and Canada is traditionally among its top three markets.

There are 15 main accommodations for them to choose from with a 16th, Le Beach in Marigot, coming next year.

Big events for 2023 include the SXM Music Festival and St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, both in March, and, in November, the second edition of the Gastronomy Festival. St. Martin is known as the ‘Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.’

And who can forget the St. Martin Carnival come February, and the St. Maarten Carnival in April and May.

Some can’t-miss attractions for visitors are Loterie Farm for zip lining and hiking, Tijon Parfumerie to make your own perfume, Tintamarre Island for scuba diving, and Pinel Island. Visitors can also rent a car, jeep, or ATV to explore, and Canadian driver’s licenses are accepted.

“We have more than 150 nationalities that live together in all harmony. This year is the ‘Year of Gastronomy’ for us, so we encourage anyone to come to St. Martin and do as they please,” said Valérie Damaseau, President of the Saint-Martin Tourism Office.

Renovations are ongoing at Princess Juliana Airport (SXM), to be completed next year.

From Toronto, Air Canada will have one flight per week starting Dec. 19. Sunwing is currently operating one flight per week with a second coming in November. WestJet will have three flights per week as of next month, and Transat will have one each week as of Dec. 24.

From Montreal, Sunwing will start weekly service in November, and Transat’s twice weekly flights start Dec. 21.

To learn more about visiting the destination go to St-Martin.org.