AGP Executive Report

Air Connectivity: Air Canada is adding a new seasonal nonstop route from Quebec City to Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe), with weekly Thursday flights from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027, giving eastern Canada another direct gateway to the islands. Marine Protection: France announced three new marine protection zones for World Oceans Day, including coral reef protections in Guadeloupe for sea turtles, pushing strict protection coverage to 14.68% of French waters. Tourism & Mail: Saint Martin’s Tourism Office and La Poste launched the “Destination Saint Martin” collector stamp set, with books sold locally and in France and a print run shared with Guadeloupe. Local Hospitality Shock: In Saint Martin, the union says the closure of the former Secrets Hotel (now Saint Martin Beach Resort) is a “human catastrophe,” alleging management acted without a real closure order and may be targeting major job cuts. Travel Disruption Watch: A wave of airline collapses tied to fuel shortages continues, with European Cargo among the latest casualties—raising concerns for holiday plans. On-Island Sport: The 2026 Michelob Ultra Boardwalk Triathlon in Philipsburg drew 100+ participants, with Guadeloupe’s Frédérick Bleuzé taking third in the men’s Olympic-distance race.

New Air Link to Guadeloupe: Air Canada will launch a new nonstop route from Quebec City to Pointe-à-Pitre, with weekly Thursday flights from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027 (17 round-trips), using the Airbus A220-300. Marine Protection for Guadeloupe Waters: France announced three new marine protection zones for World Oceans Day, bringing strict protection to 14.68% of its waters; the Guadeloupe zone will protect coral reefs that shelter sea turtles, with strict limits on fishing, extraction, and some tourism. Saint Martin Stamp Promotion: La Poste and the Saint Martin Tourism Office unveiled a “Destination Saint Martin” collector stamp set (8 stamps), sold in Saint Martin and Guadeloupe and valid worldwide. Tourism Jobs in Jeopardy: A union says the former Secrets Hotel/ Saint Martin Beach Resort closure is a “human catastrophe,” alleging no order to close and warning of a major social scandal. Travel Disruption Watch: More airline collapses in 2026 are being linked to fuel shocks after the Strait of Hormuz disruption, with more cancellations and rising costs expected. Triathlon Highlights: The Michelob Ultra Boardwalk Triathlon in Philipsburg saw Guadeloupe’s Frédérick Bleuzé take third in the men’s Olympic race, while Melina Bruneau won the women’s Olympic event.

New Air Link to Guadeloupe: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop route from Quebec City to Pointe-à-Pitre, running Thursdays from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027 (17 round-trips), adding another easy gateway for eastern Canada. Ocean Protection in Guadeloupe: France announced three new marine protection zones for World Oceans Day, bringing strict protections to 14.68% of its waters; one zone in Guadeloupe will safeguard coral reefs that shelter sea turtles. Tourism Stamp Boost (Saint Martin): La Poste and the Saint Martin Tourism Office unveiled the “Destination Saint Martin” collector stamp set, with books sold in Saint Martin and Guadeloupe and images meant to promote the destination worldwide. Hotel Closure Fallout (Saint Martin): A union says the abrupt closure of the former Secrets Hotel (Saint Martin Beach Resort) has become a “human catastrophe,” alleging no proper closure order and warning of major job losses. Travel Disruption Watch: With fuel costs rising after the Strait of Hormuz disruption, 11 airlines have collapsed in 2026, leaving more holiday plans at risk. Caribbean Summer Inspiration: A guide highlights small, less-crowded Caribbean islands worth visiting this summer, including Guadeloupe Islands.

Marine Protection: France marked World Oceans Day by adding three new strictly protected marine zones, bringing protected waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end; in Guadeloupe, the new area targets coral reefs that shelter sea turtles, with other zones in Audierne Bay and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands. Air Access: Air Canada will launch a weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route starting Dec. 17, 2026 through Apr. 8, 2027, adding another winter gateway for travelers heading to Guadeloupe. Regional Flights: New airline interline partnerships (including Winair with Contour) are set to make hopping between Caribbean islands easier, cutting down on separate tickets and baggage hassles. Tourism & Community: Saint Martin’s tourism push continues with La Poste’s “Destination Saint Martin” stamp book, while the closure of Saint Martin Beach Resort is sparking fresh union warnings about jobs and social impact. Travel Disruption Watch: A wider list of 11 airline collapses in 2026 highlights how fuel shocks are still hitting holiday plans. On-Island Sport: The Michelob Ultra Boardwalk Triathlon in Saint Martin drew 100+ participants, with Guadeloupe’s Frédérick Bleuzé taking third in the Olympic-distance race.

New Air Access to Guadeloupe: Air Canada will launch a new nonstop route from Quebec City to Pointe-à-Pitre, with weekly Thursday flights running Dec. 17, 2026 to Apr. 8, 2027 (bookable now), adding another Canadian gateway to the island. Caribbean Airlift Push: New airline partnerships in the region aim to reduce the hassle of hopping between nearby islands—one itinerary, smoother connections, and fewer baggage headaches. Marine Protection Boost: France announced three new marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles, bringing more French waters under strict protection. Saint Martin Stamps: La Poste and the Saint Martin Tourism Office launched a “Destination Saint Martin” collector stamp set, with books sold in Saint Martin and Guadeloupe and stamps valid worldwide. Tourism Jobs in Question: A union calls the closure of the former Secrets Hotel (now Saint Martin Beach Resort) a “human catastrophe,” alleging management actions behind the abrupt shutdown. Triathlon Spotlight: The Michelob Ultra Boardwalk Triathlon in Philipsburg drew 100+ participants, with Guadeloupe’s Frédérick Bleuzé taking third in the men’s Olympic race. Travel Cost Warning: A UK travel insurance reminder: many Brits risk expensive medical bills abroad if they don’t have a GHIC.

Air Connectivity: Air Canada will launch a new weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route to Guadeloupe, running Thursdays from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027 (bookable now). Marine Protection: France announced three new marine protected areas, including a Guadeloupe zone to protect coral reefs and sea turtles, pushing protected waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end. Tourism & Community: Saint Martin Beach Resort (formerly Secrets Hotel) remains closed, with the hotel workers’ union calling it a “human catastrophe” and alleging the closure was used to justify major job cuts. Events & Sport: The 2026 Michelob Ultra Boardwalk Triathlon in Philipsburg drew 100+ participants, with Guadeloupe’s Frédérick Bleuzé taking bronze in the men’s Olympic race. Local Travel Culture: La Poste and the Saint Martin Tourism Office launched a “Destination Saint Martin” collector stamp book (8 stamps), sold in Saint Martin and Guadeloupe with worldwide posting validity. Regional Travel Planning: New airline partnerships in the Caribbean aim to reduce fragmented regional airlift by improving interline connections.

Air Access Boost: Air Canada launches a new weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route to Guadeloupe, running Thursdays from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027 (17 round-trips), adding another easy gateway for eastern Canada. Regional Airlift Fix: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes sign an interline deal that lets travelers book one itinerary with one ticket and checked baggage across Eastern Caribbean links and Air Caraïbes services to Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana. Ocean Protection: France unveils three new marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles, pushing protected waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end. Tourism Disruption Watch: Saint Martin Beach Resort in Anse Marcel remains closed after the abrupt shutdown of the former Secrets Hotel; the hotel’s employee union calls it a “human catastrophe” and alleges the closure was used to justify major job cuts. Travel Safety Tip: UK travelers are warned that nearly half don’t have a free GHIC, risking costly out-of-pocket medical bills abroad even if they buy travel insurance. Sports & Local Culture: The Michelob Ultra Boardwalk Triathlon in Philipsburg draws 100+ participants, with Guadeloupe’s Frédérick Bleuzé and local athletes among the standouts.

Air Access Boost: Air Canada launches a new seasonal nonstop route between Quebec City and Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe), weekly on Thursdays from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027—17 round trips in total, already bookable. Regional Connectivity: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes sign an interline deal letting travelers book one itinerary with checked baggage through, easing multi-island trips between the Eastern Caribbean and Guadeloupe/Martinique/French Guiana. Caribbean–Europe Links: A separate interline partnership (Winair with Contour Airlines) also aims to smooth regional hopping via St. Maarten’s hub. Marine Protection: France announces three new marine protected areas, including one in Guadeloupe to protect coral reefs and sea turtles, pushing “strong protection” coverage to 14.68% of French maritime waters. Local Tourism Jobs: In Saint Martin, a union calls the closure of the former Secrets Hotel (Saint Martin Beach Resort) in Anse Marcel a “human catastrophe,” alleging the shutdown was used to justify major job cuts. Travel Safety Tip: UK travelers are warned that nearly half lack a GHIC, which can help cover state healthcare abroad (but doesn’t replace travel insurance).

Air Access to Guadeloupe: Air Canada launches a new weekly nonstop Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre route, starting Dec. 17, 2026 (Thursdays through April 8, 2027), adding another winter gateway for eastern Canada. Regional Airlift: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes sign an interline deal to let passengers book combined itineraries on one ticket with checked baggage through—aimed at easing multi-island travel across the Eastern and French Caribbean. Local Sports & Tourism: The 2026 Michelob Ultra Boardwalk Triathlon in Philipsburg drew 100+ participants, with Guadeloupe’s Frédérick Bleuzé taking third in the men’s Olympic race. Sailing Spotlight: A Collingwood sailor trains for the Vendée Globe 2028 and will race the Route du Rhum to Guadeloupe in November—his boat tours are set to bring sailing fans to the harbour. Marine Protection: France announces three new marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to protect coral reefs and sea turtles, pushing protected waters closer to its 14.8% target. Workplace Shock in the Region: Saint Martin Beach Resort (former Secrets Hotel) closure sparks union claims of a “human catastrophe,” alleging the shutdown was used to justify major job cuts. Travel Cost Watch: UK travellers are warned that lacking a GHIC can mean costly medical bills abroad even with insurance. Aviation Turbulence: Eleven airlines have collapsed in 2026 amid fuel-price pressure linked to the Strait of Hormuz disruption, with more cancellations and job losses.

Boardwalk Triathlon Buzz: The 2026 Michelob Ultra Boardwalk Triathlon in Philipsburg drew 100+ athletes, with Guadeloupe’s Frédérick Bleuzé taking bronze in the Olympic-distance men’s race and Melina Bruneau winning the women’s Olympic title. New Air Link to Pointe-à-Pitre: Air Canada will launch a Quebec City–Pointe-à-Pitre nonstop route, weekly on Thursdays from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027, adding another Canadian gateway to Guadeloupe. Caribbean Connectivity Push: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes signed an interline agreement to sell one itinerary with checked baggage across their networks, easing multi-island travel including Guadeloupe. Regional Maritime Project: Partners of the EU-backed KARULINK project met in Guadeloupe to plan new passenger routes and better transport connections across participating islands. Ocean Protection Update: France announced three new strict marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles. Travel Risk Reminder: A UK travel warning highlights that many travelers still skip the free GHIC card, which can help cover state healthcare costs abroad (insurance still needed).

New Air Link to Guadeloupe: Air Canada is adding a seasonal nonstop route from Quebec City to Pointe-à-Pitre, launching Dec. 17, 2026, with weekly Thursday flights through April 8, 2027—another boost for eastern-Canada travellers heading to the French Caribbean. Regional Flight Smoother: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal so passengers can book one itinerary on one ticket, with baggage checked through, connecting English- and French-speaking islands including Guadeloupe. Direct Jamaica–Guadeloupe Route: LIAT Air will start twice-weekly nonstop flights between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay on July 14, 2026—timed ahead of Jamaica’s Reggae Sumfest to make the trip easier for fans. Ocean Protection in Guadeloupe: France announced three new strict marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles, as the country pushes toward its 14.8% target of waters under strong protection. Sailing Spotlight: A Collingwood sailor training for the Vendée Globe 2028 will first race the Route du Rhum from France to Guadeloupe in November—and is inviting locals to tour his rare IMOCA 60 boat. Air Travel Warnings: With 11 airlines collapsing in 2026 and fuel costs rising sharply, travellers are being urged to watch for fare changes and disruption risk.

New Direct Flights to Jamaica: LIAT Air is launching the first-ever nonstop link between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Montego Bay (Jamaica) from July 14, with twice-weekly departures (Tues/Sat) and returns (Wed/Sun), timed ahead of Reggae Sumfest (July 12–18) for an easier music-and-sun getaway. More Canada-to-Guadeloupe Access: Air Canada will add a seasonal weekly nonstop from Quebec City to Pointe-à-Pitre, running Thursdays Dec. 17–Apr. 8, 2027, giving eastern Canada another gateway to the island. Regional Airlift Gets a Boost: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal so travelers can book one ticket and check baggage through across English-French Caribbean routes, including Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe. Ocean Protection in Guadeloupe: France announced three new strict marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to safeguard coral reefs and sea turtles, as the country pushes toward its 14.8% protected-waters target. Travel Safety Reminder: A UK travel insurance expert warns Brits may face costly medical bills abroad if they don’t get a free GHIC before travel. Aviation Disruption Watch: Reports say 11 airlines have collapsed or entered administration in 2026, with holiday cancellations tied to rising fuel costs and wider economic shocks.

New Air Service to Guadeloupe: Air Canada will add a weekly nonstop route from Quebec City to Pointe-à-Pitre, running Thursdays from Dec. 17, 2026 to April 8, 2027 (17 round-trips), giving eastern Canada another direct gateway to the island. Direct Guadeloupe–Jamaica Flights: LIAT Air launches its first-ever nonstop between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay on July 14, 2026, with twice-weekly flights timed ahead of Reggae Sumfest (Tues/Sat outbound; Wed/Sun return). Easier Caribbean Connections: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel and through-checked baggage, linking Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana with LIAT’s wider Eastern Caribbean network and onward access to Paris-Orly. Marine Protection Boost: France announced three new marine protection zones, including one in Guadeloupe to protect coral reefs and sea turtles, pushing protected waters to 14.68% and aiming for 14.8% by year-end. Airline Collapse Warning: Reports say 11 airlines have gone into administration in 2026, with rising jet-fuel costs and higher fares expected—an important heads-up for travelers booking ahead.

Marine Protection: France announced three new strict marine protection zones, bringing protected French maritime waters to 14.68% and targeting 14.8% by year-end; in Guadeloupe, the new area will protect coral reefs and sea turtles. Direct Air Link: LIAT Air launches the first-ever nonstop Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe)–Montego Bay (Jamaica) service on July 14, twice weekly, timed ahead of Reggae Sumfest. Easier Island Hopping: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes rolled out an interline deal for single-ticket, through-checked baggage travel across English, French and Dutch Caribbean routes, including Guadeloupe. Cruise Travel Docs: A reminder for Caribbean cruisers: passport rules can vary for round-trip cruises from Puerto Rico, with some lines (like Princess) requiring passports. Aviation Pressure: 11 airlines have collapsed or entered administration in 2026, with holiday cancellations tied to rising fuel costs and higher ticket prices expected. Regional Mobility Project: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to plan new maritime routes and more sustainable, connected passenger and goods travel across the Caribbean.

Airline Disruptions: Eleven airlines have collapsed or entered administration in 2026, with holiday trips cancelled for passengers; the latest is European Cargo (about 180 jobs affected), as airlines warn jet fuel costs could surge and fares may rise. New Direct Route for Guadeloupe: LIAT Air launches the first-ever direct flights between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay on July 14, with twice-weekly service (Tues/Sat outbound; Wed/Sun return), timed ahead of Jamaica’s Reggae Sumfest. Easier Island Hopping: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes have signed an interline deal for single-ticket travel and checked-through baggage across English, French and Dutch Caribbean routes, including Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus connections to Paris-Orly. Regional Mobility by Sea: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to push new passenger maritime routes and better transport links, supported by EU INTERREG funding. Yachting & Refits: IMM has acquired Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle, expanding refit capacity for vessels up to 150 metres, with IMM already operating bases including Guadeloupe.

Guadeloupe–Jamaica Air Link: LIAT Air is launching the first-ever direct service between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay starting July 14, with flights twice weekly (Tues/Sat outbound; Wed/Sun return), timed ahead of Jamaica’s Reggae Sumfest (July 12–18) to make the trip easier for French Caribbean travelers. Caribbean Airlift Gets Smoother: LIAT (2020) and Air Caraïbes rolled out an interline agreement (single ticket, single purchase point, checked baggage through) connecting Eastern Caribbean islands, Guyana and Jamaica with Air Caraïbes services from Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guiana, plus onward links to Paris-Orly. Regional Connectivity by Sea: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe (June 2–3) to push new passenger maritime routes and better transport connections across Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts & Nevis and Guadeloupe, backed by EU INTERREG Caribbean funding. Yachting & Refits: IMM acquired Atlantic Refit Center in La Rochelle, expanding refit and repair capacity for vessels up to 150m, with IMM already operating bases including Guadeloupe.