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).