AGP Executive Report

Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented summer water crunch, with drought forcing strict drinking-water rationing and sanitation strain, while Guadeloupe also closes swimming areas due to coastal pollution. Air Connectivity: LIAT Air is trying to keep regional fares steady despite fuel costs jumping about 50%, and it’s expanding links—its new twice-weekly Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) to Montego Bay (Jamaica) service started July 14. Sports & Spotlight: Salahdine Parnasse is set for his UFC debut in Paris on Sept. 5 against Dan Hooker, and he says he’s proud to carry the colors of France, Morocco, and Guadeloupe. Regional Football Draw: Bermuda has been placed with Guadeloupe, Saint Lucia and Barbados in Concacaf Nations League Group B, with matches scheduled from Sept. 25 to Oct. 5. Rum Tourism: Distillery tours are increasingly becoming a must-do Caribbean experience, shifting rum from a souvenir to a story-led trip. Caribbean Energy Watch: A new look at how the region is changing—driven heavily by energy and water pressures that directly affect tourism.

Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented summer water crunch, with drought forcing strict drinking-water rationing and sanitation strain, while Guadeloupe authorities have closed several swimming spots due to coastal pollution. Regional Air Access: LIAT Air is trying to keep fares down despite fuel costs jumping about 50% since late February/early March, and it’s expanding connectivity—its new Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) to Montego Bay (Jamaica) service launched July 14 and runs twice weekly (Tuesdays and Saturdays). Sports & Travel Spotlight: Salahdine Parnasse, who proudly carries ties to Guadeloupe, is set for his UFC debut in Paris on Sept. 5 against Dan Hooker, a headline that could draw more fight fans to the region’s travel calendar. Football Fixtures: The Concacaf Nations League draw sets Guadeloupe in Group B alongside Bermuda, Saint Lucia and Barbados, with matches scheduled between Sept. 25 and Oct. 5. Luxury Leisure: Finolhu (Seaside Collection Resort) in the Maldives has hired a new tennis/padel pro with experience coaching in the French overseas region of Guadeloupe—another sign of racquet sports boosting high-end travel demand. Caribbean Culture & Tours: Rum distillery tours are increasingly becoming a must-do travel reason, with visitors seeking hands-on experiences like tastings and blending sessions across the region. Local Sports Results: Trinidad and Tobago swimmer Nikoli Blackman won T&T’s first CAC gold in the men’s 50m freestyle at Santo Domingo.

UFC Spotlight (Paris Sept. 5): Guadeloupe’s Salahdine Parnasse is officially signed to the UFC and will headline UFC Fight Night 287 against Dan Hooker on Sept. 5 in Paris, proudly carrying the colors of France, Morocco, and Guadeloupe. Direct Flight Boost (Travel & Tourism): LIAT Air launched a new year-round route between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Montego Bay (Jamaica), operating Tuesdays and Saturdays, with plans to grow demand toward daily service. Cost Control for Flyers: LIAT says it’s absorbing much of the ~50% jet fuel surge so passengers won’t face steep fare hikes, aiming to stay competitive across the region. Summer Water Crisis (Local Travel Disruption): Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented drought and water restrictions; some coastal swimming areas were closed due to pollution, and daily life is getting harder. Sports Tourism (Racquet Program): Finolhu (Seaside Collection Resort) in the Maldives hired French-Mexican tennis/padel pro Stefano, with coaching and bespoke racquet experiences—good for travelers who mix sport with island breaks. Football Fixtures for Guadeloupe Fans: Concacaf Nations League draw places Guadeloupe in Group B alongside Bermuda, Saint Lucia, and Barbados, with matches scheduled Sept. 25–Oct. 5. On-the-Ground Travel Read: A feature on Le Gosier paints it as a “real town” by the sea—busy, local, and still not fully turned into a resort bubble.

UFC & Paris Spotlight: Guadeloupe-born fighter Salahdine Parnasse has officially signed with the UFC and will face Dan Hooker in the Sept. 5 Paris Fight Night headliner, proudly carrying the colors of France, Morocco, and Guadeloupe. New Caribbean Air Link: LIAT Air launched a direct Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe)–Montego Bay route on July 14, operating Tuesdays and Saturdays, with plans to grow toward daily service as demand rises. Water Crisis Hits Travel Plans: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented summer water crisis, with drinking-water restrictions and closed swimming areas due to coastal pollution. Regional Travel Costs Watch: LIAT says it’s trying to limit fare increases despite a major jump in jet fuel prices, aiming to keep regional travel affordable for tourism and family connections. Sports Tourism Angle: Concacaf Nations League draw sets Bermuda in Group B alongside Guadeloupe, Saint Lucia, and Barbados, with matches scheduled Sept. 25–Oct. 5. Rum Tourism Trend: Distillery tours across the Caribbean are becoming a must-do travel reason, not just a souvenir stop. Local Getaway Feature: A travel look at Le Gosier—Guadeloupe’s lively seaside town where tourism coexists with everyday life.

Rum Tourism Boom: Distillery tours are shifting from “souvenir stop” to the main reason people book Caribbean trips, with each island leaning into its own rum style and heritage. UFC in Paris: Salahdine Parnasse reacts to his UFC debut set for September 5 in Paris against Dan Hooker, after previously turning down the promotion. Water Crisis in the French Caribbean: Guadeloupe and Martinique face an unprecedented drought-driven water crisis, with drinking-water restrictions and even closed swimming areas due to coastal pollution. New Direct Flights for Guadeloupe: LIAT Air launched a year-round Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe)–Montego Bay (Jamaica) route, running Tuesdays and Saturdays, and says it’s working to keep fares down despite fuel costs. Sports & Travel Calendar: Concacaf Nations League draw places Guadeloupe’s regional rivals in Group B, with matches scheduled Sept 25–Oct 5. Le Gosier Spotlight: A travel feature on Le Gosier as a “real town” where tourism hasn’t fully replaced everyday life. St. Barth Rum Festival: St. Barth will host the Caribbean Rum Awards Oct 26–30 with judging, tastings, and beach parties.

Regional Air Links: LIAT Air is trying to keep fares steady despite a ~50% jump in jet fuel costs, and it’s already expanding service—its new twice-weekly Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) to Montego Bay (Jamaica) route launched July 14. Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented summer water crisis, with drought-driven restrictions and even coastal swimming areas closed over pollution. Football & Travel Timing: Concacaf has set the 2026/27 Nations League schedule, with Guadeloupe’s regional rivals drawn into Group B matchups (Sept 25–Oct 5), a useful planning signal for fans traveling for games. Guadeloupe Tourism Spotlight: A feature puts Le Gosier in focus as a rare “real town” where tourism hasn’t fully replaced everyday life—beaches, bakeries, and local bustle side by side. Caribbean Travel Inspiration: Air Canada announces seasonal winter nonstop additions from Canada to Roatán and Santo Domingo, plus a new Toronto–Mérida route. Visa & Family Planning (France): France publishes visa fees for several categories and reduces costs for children aged 6–12 on selected visas, while back-to-school allowance dates are confirmed for Guadeloupe and Martinique.

Sports & Travel Connectivity: Guadeloupe is drawn into Group B of the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League (alongside Bermuda, Saint Lucia and Barbados), with matches set for the September-October and November 2026 FIFA windows—another reason football fans may plan trips around the island’s home games. New Direct Flights: LIAT Air is pushing regional affordability while expanding routes; its new Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe)–Montego Bay (Jamaica) service runs twice weekly (Tuesdays and Saturdays), and the airline says it’s absorbing much of the fuel-cost pressure to avoid big fare hikes. Water Crisis Watch: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented summer water crisis, with drought-driven restrictions and even coastal swimming-area closures due to pollution—bad news for beachgoers and a reminder to plan around local supply limits. Island Leisure & Events: St Barth is gearing up for the Caribbean Rum Awards (Oct 26–30), a five-day mix of judging, tastings and beach parties that doubles as a high-season travel draw.

Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented drought-driven water crisis, with strict rationing, strained sanitation, and even the closure of some swimming areas due to coastal pollution. New Direct Route: LIAT Air launched a year-round Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) to Montego Bay (Jamaica) service, operating Tuesdays and Saturdays, boosting regional connectivity for tourism, business, and multi-island trips. Fares Under Pressure: LIAT says it’s trying to limit ticket increases despite jet fuel costs rising about 50%, absorbing much of the hit to avoid pricing out travelers. Sports & Travel Interest: Salahdine Parnasse, who says he carries the colors of France, Morocco, and Guadeloupe, is set for a UFC Paris main-event debut on Sept. 5. Regional Football Fixtures: Concacaf Nations League group details are out, with Guadeloupe drawn in Group B alongside Saint Lucia and Barbados (matches set for late Sept–early Oct 2026). Luxury Add-On: Finolhu (Seaside Collection) in the Maldives is expanding its tennis and padel program with a new tennis pro who has worked across Guadeloupe and the French overseas region.

New Direct Flight: LIAT Air has launched a year-round, twice-weekly route between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Montego Bay (Jamaica), with flights Tuesdays and Saturdays—boosting regional connectivity for tourism, business, and multi-island trips. Fare Pressure Update: LIAT says it’s trying to limit ticket price increases despite jet fuel costs rising about 50%, aiming to absorb more of the hit so customers aren’t priced out. Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented summer water crisis, with drought-driven restrictions on drinking water and knock-on effects like closed swimming areas from coastal pollution. Local Travel Vibe: A feature spotlights Le Gosier as a “real town” where tourism sits alongside everyday life—beaches, bakeries, traffic, and local routines. Rum Festival Buzz: St Barth is set for the Caribbean Rum Awards (Oct. 26–30), mixing beachfront parties, tastings, and a major rum competition. Sports Travel Angle: Finolhu (Maldives) is expanding its tennis and padel program with a new Tennis Pro—an example of how racquet sports keep shaping luxury travel.

New Direct Route: LIAT Air launched a year-round Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) to Montego Bay (Jamaica) service, now running twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays—good news for faster French-Caribbean access and easier multi-island trips. Airfares Under Pressure: LIAT says it’s trying to limit ticket price hikes despite jet fuel costs jumping about 50%, aiming to absorb part of the increase so customers aren’t priced out. Water Crisis in the Islands: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented drought, with drinking-water restrictions and even some beach closures due to coastal pollution—daily life is getting harder. Caribbean Rum Festival: St Barth will host the Caribbean Rum Awards Oct. 26–30, with blind judging, beachfront parties, tastings, and chef-led dinners—an easy add-on for travelers already in the region. Travel Ideas in Guadeloupe: Le Gosier is being spotlighted as a “real town” by the water—beaches, bakeries, and everyday life mixed with tourism, near Pointe-à-Pitre and the Sainte-Anne/Saint-François area. Sports & Leisure: Finolhu (Maldives) is expanding its tennis/padel program with a new pro who has worked across the French overseas region, including Guadeloupe.

Air Connectivity: LIAT Air launched a new direct Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe)–Montego Bay (Jamaica) route on July 14, now operating year-round twice weekly (Tuesdays and Saturdays), boosting French–English Caribbean links for tourism and business. Airfares & Fuel Costs: LIAT says it’s absorbing most of the ~50% jet-fuel jump tied to the Middle East conflict to keep ticket prices from rising too fast, with plans to grow demand toward daily service. Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented summer water crunch, with drought-driven drinking restrictions and even beach closures in Guadeloupe due to coastal pollution. Local Travel Culture: Le Gosier is highlighted as a “real town” where tourism hasn’t fully replaced everyday life—beaches, bakeries, and local bustle close to Pointe-à-Pitre. Caribbean Events: St Barth will host the Caribbean Rum Awards (Oct. 26–30) with rum tastings, judging, and beach parties—an easy add-on for regional travelers. Sports Travel: Finolhu (Seaside Collection) in the Maldives brings a new tennis/padel pro with international experience, reflecting the luxury travel trend toward racquet-focused stays.

Regional Air Connectivity: LIAT Air launched a new year-round direct route between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Montego Bay (Jamaica), operating Tuesdays and Saturdays, a move expected to boost tourism, business travel, and easier multi-island trips. Fares & Fuel Pressure: LIAT says it’s trying to keep ticket prices down despite jet fuel costs rising about 50% since late February/early March, absorbing much of the hit to avoid pricing out customers. Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented summer water crisis, with drought forcing strict rationing and authorities closing some swimming areas due to coastal pollution. Luxury Sports Travel: Finolhu (Seaside Collection) in the Maldives is adding a tennis and padel pro with international experience that includes the French overseas region of Guadeloupe. Caribbean Cruise Inspiration: Oceania Cruises is marketing late-2026 Caribbean itineraries that swap “just beaches” for hands-on island experiences, including stops tied to Guadeloupe.

Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing a severe summer water shortage, with drought disrupting drinking supplies and forcing strict rationing; sanitation problems are making it worse, and several swimming areas in Guadeloupe have been closed due to coastal pollution. Regional Flights & Tourism: LIAT Air has launched a new year-round direct link between Pointe-à-Pitre and Montego Bay, running Tuesdays and Saturdays, with plans to grow to daily service as demand rises—aimed at boosting French-English Caribbean travel, tourism, and business ties. Fares Under Pressure: LIAT says it’s trying to keep ticket prices stable despite fuel costs jumping about 50% since late February/early March, noting passengers are only absorbing a small share of the increase and that service adjustments (like Barbuda aircraft needs) are underway. Travel Planning Costs: A France digest flags regulated electricity bills rising 2.5% from Aug. 1 and confirms back-to-school allowance dates for Guadeloupe and Martinique, useful for families timing trips and budgets. Rum & Cruise Ideas: St Barth is set for a five-day Caribbean Rum Festival (Oct. 26–30) with beach parties and tastings, while Oceania Cruises is pitching late-2026 Caribbean itineraries that swap some beach time for local food and farm experiences, including Pointe-à-Pitre.

Water Crisis: Guadeloupe and Martinique are facing an unprecedented summer water crisis, with drought disrupting drinking supplies and forcing strict rationing, while deteriorated sanitation systems add pressure; authorities have also closed some swimming areas due to coastal pollution, and residents are organizing as the shortage could last if rains stay slow. Regional Air Links: LIAT Air launched a new direct Guadeloupe–Jamaica connection, with weekly flights from Pointe-à-Pitre to Montego Bay (Tuesdays and Saturdays, year-round), a move expected to boost tourism, business travel, and multi-island itineraries. Fares Under Pressure: LIAT says it’s trying to limit ticket price increases despite fuel costs rising sharply, stressing it doesn’t want to price out customers and is working on aircraft plans for routes like Barbuda. Resort Sports Upgrade: Finolhu (Seaside Collection Resort) is strengthening its racquet sports offering with a new tennis pro, expanding private coaching, social matches, and bespoke experiences for guests. Cruise Inspiration for Travelers: Oceania Cruises is pitching a “new lens” on the Caribbean with adults-only itineraries that swap some beach time for local experiences, including a Guadeloupe antiques village stop.

New Direct Flights for Guadeloupe–Jamaica: LIAT Air has launched the first-ever flight from Pointe-à-Pitre to Montego Bay, starting a twice-weekly, year-round service (Tuesdays and Saturdays) with 33 passengers on board, and plans to grow to daily as demand rises—cutting layovers and opening easier access for French Caribbean travelers. Regional Tourism Boost: Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Tova Hamilton framed every seat as local opportunity for taxi drivers, farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs, while partners say the route supports multi-island trips and stronger business and cultural links. Cruise Line Turns Toward “Real” Caribbean Stops: Oceania Cruises is expanding its 2026 Caribbean program with adults-only sailings (7–14 days) that swap some beach time for destination immersion, including shore visits tied to Guadeloupe and other islands. Sargassum Cooperation Across the Eastern Caribbean: OECS delegates are using lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe to shape a more coordinated sargassum response across member states, with a push to manage and potentially turn seaweed into economic value. Guadeloupe Travel Texture Spotlight: A travel feature highlights Le Gosier as a rare Caribbean town where everyday life stays front and center—beaches and hotels, but also bakeries, traffic, schools and a “raw, busy” local feel. Luxury Racquet Upgrade: Finolhu (Seaside Collection) has added a new Tennis Pro, Stefano, to strengthen its tennis and padel program with private coaching and bespoke racquet experiences.

New Direct Route for Guadeloupe Travelers: LIAT Air launched a historic nonstop service from Pointe-à-Pitre to Montego Bay, starting July 15 with 33 passengers and a twice-weekly, year-round schedule (Tuesdays and Saturdays), with plans to grow to daily as demand rises—aimed at cutting layovers and boosting tourism, business links, and multi-island trips across the French and English-speaking Caribbean. Cruise Lines Lean Into “Real” Caribbean Experiences: Oceania Cruises is expanding its 2026 Caribbean program with adults-only 7–14 day itineraries that trade beach-only days for food and culture stops, including Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe, plus new shore excursions across the region. Sargassum Collaboration Across the Eastern Caribbean: OECS delegates, supported by EU funding, visited Martinique and Guadeloupe to study practical sargassum collection and “valorisation” models, pushing a more coordinated, solution-first approach for member states. Local Travel Mood Check (Le Gosier): A fresh travel feature spotlights Le Gosier as a rare Guadeloupe town where tourism hasn’t fully replaced everyday life—beaches, ferry crossings, bakeries, and a busy local rhythm. Staying Budget-Smart for Travel: France published visa fees for several categories and reduced costs for children aged 6–12 on selected visas, while a weekly digest also flags regulated electricity tariff changes and back-to-school allowance dates for Guadeloupe and other territories.