Martinique Brings the Sun as Winter Descends on Canada

The “Island of Flowers” was in full bloom in Toronto this week as the Martinique Tourism Authority (MTA) brought a welcome dose of tropical sunshine and French-Caribbean flair to Ontario for the 2025 edition of Martinique Sensation. 

Hosted at the Malaparte Event Space in Toronto, this year’s event brought together dozens of tourism professionals, media members, and travel agents for a celebration of all things Martinique ahead of the busy winter travel season.

“We are so pleased to be back in Ontario again, and though we needed a day or two to adjust to the weather, we were instantly warmed by the strong connection we enjoy with our Canadian friends and partners,” said Muriel Wiltord, Director Americas of the Martinique Tourism Authority. 

“We’re continuing to build upon the momentum we established in-market earlier this year, and sharing the authentic, accessible Martinique experience that has resonated so strongly with Canadian travellers.”

In remarks and presentations delivered to attendees, the MTA highlighted Martinique’s deep history and gastronomic pedigree, which includes the distillation of the country’s signature rhum agricole. 

MTA representatives say that safety, shared language and values, and modern infrastructure are some of the pillars of Martinique’s appeal to Canadians, who also prize the destination’s verdant volcanic landscape, lavish yet intimate properties, and UNESCO-recognized status as a Biosphere Reserve.

Martinique continues to be easily accessible to both French- and English-Canadians and the MTA shared positive news about Martinique’s cruise sector and direct flight accessibility. 

Between 2024 and 2025, the destination welcomed over 465,000 cruise passengers, spurring the construction of a now-completed cruise village featuring eight kiosks and tented spaces for local vendors as the island looks ahead to the MSC Opera’s maiden voyage out of Fort-de-France in Winter 2026. 

The MTA also announced that Air Canada will continue to offer direct flights out of Montreal (year round) and direct flights out of Toronto through the winter, supplementing the December 7 debut of a new direct flight from Quebec City to Fort-de-France.

An enthusiastic delegation in attendance from Martinique included representatives from Archipel Evasion, Avis, Club Med, Ecolodge Domaine de Puyfferat, Hôtel Bambou, Hôtel Panoramic, Karibéa Hôtel, La Savane des Esclaves, Natiyabel, Tropical Tour, Village Créole, Kaouanne, and Tangarane. 

Canadian attendees were invited to participate in one-on-one and group workshops with these hoteliers, spas, and restaurants, before enjoying a cocktail reception.

“Much like Canada, Martinique is a country of diverse languages, of diverse influences, and of course, diverse experiences,” said Karine Roy-Camille, Deputy Director Americas of the
Martinique Promotion Bureau. “

We continue to deepen our long-standing commitment to this market not only because we already have so much in common, but because we see the potential to continue to grow together in exciting new ways in the future.”

You can learn more about Martinique by clicking here.