MARTINIQUE WELCOMES TRAVELERS FROM MONTREAL
Air Canada Resumes Flights to the Isle of Flowers
Montreal, Nov. 2021- Air Canada has returned to Martinique following several months of interruption due to the pandemic. A nonstop weekly flight from Montreal (YUL) has returned to the Isle of Flowers with a two-class B737 aircraft of 169 seats, all equipped with individual touch-sensitive screens that grant access to a full entertainment system, including movies, documentaries, music, and games. « We are delighted to come back to Martinique” stated Alexandre Lefevre, Air Canada’s Senior Director. “This proves how much Martinique and the whole French West Indies are important for us at Air Canada, as we have established strong relationships in the region for over 45 years now. As much as Martinique is a popular sun destination for Quebecers, Quebec is an appealing destination for Martinicans looking for leisure, high education, and business opportunities. This strategic route will be operated up to five times a week on a new generation Boeing-737 aircraft. We are looking forward to welcoming you onboard.” Air service to Fort-de-France will be provided in strict accordance with sanitary measures, to ensure the safest stay in the Isle of Flowers. Visitors must expect obligations depending on their vaccinal status and provenance. People with a complete vaccinal scheme must apply for a French vaccinal passport (https://www.demarches-simplifiees.fr/commencer/passe-sanitaire-etrangers) and will not be subject to any travel restrictions while arriving in Martinique.
Non-vaccinated people or with an uncomplete vaccinal scheme must comply with the following obligations:
- A negative PCR test (72 hours or less) or negative antigen test (48 hours or less) prior to boarding
- Compelling reason (personal, professional, family, sanitary, and/or urgent matter)
- 7-days of self-isolation when arriving and mandatory COVID test after
Air Canada implemented its CleanCare+ program in May 2020 that settled new biosecurity rules to allow passengers and crew to travel in a safe environment:
Customer face-coverings and employee Personal Protective Equipment now mandatory, Personal care kits containing disinfectant and safety items, Electrostatic cabin spraying to reinforce aircraft grooming protocols, and Revised food product minimizing crew and passenger contact. These protocols will ensure the safe transportation of our travelers from Canada and allow the next intensification of airline service to Martinique this winter.
Named top emerging destination in the world by TripAdvisor in 2021 and recognized twice by UNESCO, Martinique is on top of Canadians’ travel wish list. Air Canada supports the growing appeal of the Isle of Flowers by increasing gradually its rotations to Martinique: starting in December, Canada’s biggest airline carrier will implement up to five non-stop flights per week from Montreal to Fort-de-France. This latter news was warmly welcomed by Bénédicte di Geronimo, Martinique Tourism Commissioner: “Our team worked hard to develop creative ways to convey the charms, qualities, and authenticity of our island. Thanks to the work of the Martinique Tourism Authority alongside Air Canada, Canada has become the 2nd main market for Martinique. We are delighted to welcome back Air Canada to Martinique’s sky!” The island will hope from this resumption of service with Air Canada the recovery of its three weekly direct flights all year long from Montreal to Martinique. Martinique is also looking forward to recovering its three flights per week, all year long from Montreal. Frantz Thodiard, CEO of the Aimé Cesaire’s Martinique International Airport stated: “The resumption of air service between Montreal and Fort-de-France reboots the historic link with Canada, a destination highly appreciated by Martinicans for its multiples offers and opportunities. Air Canada’s investment sustains the confidence inspired by Martinique as a destination”.
About Martinique (www.lamartinique.ca):
The French Caribbean Island of Martinique is also known as the Isle of Flowers, The Rum Capital of the World, the Birthplace of coffee in the New World, The Isle of the Famed Poet (Aimé Césaire) – Martinique ranks among the most alluring and enchanting destinations in the world. As an overseas region of France, Martinique boasts modern and reliable infrastructure – roads, water and power utilities, hospitals, and telecommunications, services all on par with any other part of the European Union. At the same time, Martinique’s beautifully unspoiled beaches, volcanic peaks, rainforests, 80+ miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, streams, and other natural wonders are unparalleled in the Caribbean, so visitors here truly get the best of both worlds. The currency is the Euro, the flag and the official language are French, but Martinique’s character, cuisine, musical heritage, art, culture, common language, and identity are of a distinctly Afro-Caribbean inclination known as Creole. It is this special combination of modern world conveniences, pristine nature, and rich heritage that has earned for Martinique several notable distinctions in recent years. Hot off the press: In September 2021, Martinique’s exceptional biodiversity was recognized by UNESCO, which added the entire island to its World Network of Biosphere Reserves. Martinique was named the world’s top emerging destination by TripAdvisor for 2021. In late 2020, Martinique’s traditional Yole Boat was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List and the Isle of Flowers was also recognized in January 2019 by OprahMag.com in first place in their list of “The 19 Best Winter Getaways.”
