AGP Executive Report

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.

Air Connectivity for Guadeloupe: LIAT Air launched a historic nonstop 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—good news for multi-island trips and faster links between the French and English-speaking Caribbean. Cruise Ideas for Travelers: Oceania Cruises is expanding its late-2026 Caribbean program with 7–14 day itineraries and adults-only ships, swapping “just beaches” for food-and-culture shore stops including Pointe-à-Pitre in Guadeloupe. Sargassum Cooperation: OECS delegates are using lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe to push more coordinated sargassum management across Eastern Caribbean states, with an eye on turning seaweed into economic value. Local Travel Mood: A feature spotlights Le Gosier as a “real town” by the water—busy, lived-in, and close to Grande-Terre beaches—ideal for visitors who want Guadeloupe beyond resort gloss. Family Planning in Guadeloupe: France’s back-to-school allowance (ARS) payment dates are confirmed for Guadeloupe on Tuesday, 18 August, alongside broader France household updates.

New Air Link for Guadeloupe Travelers: LIAT Air has launched a historic nonstop service between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Montego Bay (Jamaica), starting with a twice-weekly, year-round schedule (Tuesdays and Saturdays) and plans to grow to daily as demand rises—cutting layovers and opening easier multi-island trips across the French and English-speaking Caribbean. Regional Tourism Boost: Jamaica’s tourism minister and regional stakeholders say the route is about more than seats—expect benefits for hotels, taxi operators, farmers, artisans, and conference travel, with Guadeloupe positioned as a gateway for French- and European visitors. Sargassum Playbook for the Region: OECS delegates are using lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe to push a more coordinated sargassum management approach across Eastern Caribbean states, including turning the seaweed into potential economic value. Caribbean Cruise, With Guadeloupe Stops: Oceania Cruises is marketing longer, adults-only Caribbean sailings that swap “just beaches” for food-and-culture shore trips, including Pointe-à-Pitre artisan markets in Guadeloupe. Rum & Beach Culture in St. Barth: St. Barth is set to host the Caribbean Rum Awards (Oct. 26–30) with beachfront parties, tastings, and chef-led dinners—another reminder that the French Caribbean is leaning hard into spirits tourism.

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: LIAT Air has launched the first-ever direct flight from Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) to Montego Bay (Jamaica), landing with 33 passengers and starting a twice-weekly, year-round service (Tuesdays and Saturdays), with plans to grow to daily as demand rises—cutting layovers and opening easier multi-island trips across the French and English Caribbean. Airfares & Fuel Pressure: LIAT says it’s working to keep ticket prices stable despite a fuel-cost spike tied to the Middle East conflict. Cruise Inspiration for Guadeloupe Travelers: Oceania Cruises is expanding its late-2026 Caribbean program with adults-only voyages (7–14 days) that swap “just beaches” for destination immersion, including shore stops like Pointe-à-Pitre. Sargassum Solutions Across the Region: OECS delegates are using lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe to push more coordinated sargassum management across Eastern Caribbean states, with EU-backed support and a focus on turning seaweed into economic opportunities.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: LIAT Air has launched the first-ever direct flight from Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) to Montego Bay, Jamaica—touching down July 15 with 33 passengers—and the twice-weekly, year-round service runs every Tuesday and Saturday, with plans to grow to daily as demand rises. Regional Connectivity: Jamaica’s tourism minister says the route cuts down on long layovers and opens a new gateway between the French Caribbean and a major English-speaking tourism brand, while Guadeloupe gets a direct link to Jamaica without routing via North America. Airfares Watch: LIAT also says it’s working to keep ticket prices stable despite a fuel-cost spike. Cruise Inspiration: Oceania Cruises is expanding its late-2026 Caribbean program with 7–14 day, adults-only itineraries that swap “just beach days” for food and culture stops, including Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and other smaller ports. Sargassum Solutions: OECS delegates are drawing on Martinique and Guadeloupe know-how to improve sargassum collection and turn the seaweed into potential economic value, supported by EU funding.

New LIAT Air link for travelers: LIAT Air has launched its inaugural nonstop service from Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) to Montego Bay (Jamaica), starting with twice-weekly flights (Tuesdays and Saturdays) and 33 passengers on day one, with plans to grow to daily as demand rises. Tourism connectivity boost: Jamaica’s tourism minister says the route cuts long layovers and opens the French Caribbean to more visitors, while also creating opportunities for local taxi drivers, farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. Regional air network context: Antigua and Barbuda stakeholders also framed the launch as a wider OECS win—helping multi-destination trips and reducing reliance on long-haul markets. Cruise inspiration for Guadeloupe visitors: Oceania Cruises is expanding its late-2026 Caribbean program with adults-only voyages (7–14 days) that include Pointe-à-Pitre, plus shore excursions like Guadeloupe artisan markets. Sargassum know-how sharing: OECS delegates are drawing on Martinique and Guadeloupe strategies to tackle sargassum, supported by EU funding, aiming to manage the seaweed and explore turning it into economic value. Caribbean travel ideas beyond the beach: A new list highlights small, lesser-known Caribbean hotels—some including a Guadeloupe retreat—built for travelers who want personality over crowds. Caribbean culture spotlight: A feature revisits the Soucouyant legend, noting similar shape-shifting folklore across the French-speaking Caribbean, including Guadeloupe.

LIAT Air boosts regional travel: LIAT launched a historic nonstop link between Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre) and Jamaica (Montego Bay) with a twice-weekly, year-round service (Tuesdays and Saturdays), starting with 33 passengers and aiming to grow to daily flights as demand rises—promising shorter trips and more multi-island itineraries for travelers. Airfares under pressure: LIAT says it’s working to keep ticket prices stable despite a fuel-cost spike tied to the Middle East conflict. Cruise lines turn “beyond the beach” for 2026: Oceania Cruises is expanding its Caribbean program with longer 7–14 day, adults-only sailings that swap some classic beach time for food-and-farm shore stops, including Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe). Sargassum know-how shared across the region: OECS delegates are using lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe to push more coordinated sargassum collection and “turn it into value” plans across Eastern Caribbean states. Culture spotlight: A new feature revisits the Soucouyant legend—an enduring French Caribbean supernatural figure that also appears in Guadeloupe folklore.

LIAT Air boosts regional links: LIAT launched its historic nonstop Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre)–Montego Bay service, starting July 14 with a twice-weekly, year-round schedule (Tuesdays and Saturdays) and plans to grow to daily as demand rises—aimed at cutting layovers and opening easier access for French Caribbean and European travelers. Tourism impact: Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Tova Hamilton framed every seat as opportunity for taxi drivers, farmers, artisans and entrepreneurs, while Antigua & Barbuda welcomed the route as a win for the whole region and multi-destination travel. Cost pressure at the airline: LIAT also said it’s working to keep ticket prices stable despite a fuel-cost spike tied to the Middle East conflict. Sargassum know-how for the coast: OECS delegates gathered strategies after a French territories mission (Martinique and Guadeloupe) to improve sargassum collection and turn the seaweed into potential economic value. Cruise inspiration for adults: Oceania Cruises unveiled refreshed late-2026 Caribbean sailings (7–14 days, adults-only) with added-value offers for early bookings, including stops such as Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, and shore excursions like artisan village visits.

New LIAT Air link for Guadeloupe travelers: LIAT launched its inaugural nonstop from Pointe-à-Pitre to Montego Bay on July 14, starting with a twice-weekly, year-round service (Tuesdays and Saturdays) and aiming to grow to daily as demand rises—positioned as a boost for tourism, local jobs, and faster connections across the French and English-speaking Caribbean. OECS sargassum push: OECS delegates just returned from a Martinique–Guadeloupe study tour, backed by the EU’s RIGHT Programme and SARSEA, to share practical sargassum collection and “blue economy” valorisation ideas across nine member states. Caribbean cruise “seen it all?” refresh: Oceania Cruises is rolling out late-2026 Caribbean itineraries (7–14 days) on Oceania Marina, Vista and Allura, leaning into smaller ports and immersive shore stops like Guadeloupe artisan markets, plus food-led experiences across the islands. Boutique hotel inspiration for the curious: A new roundup spotlights 15 small, personality-packed Caribbean hotels—including a Guadeloupe retreat—aimed at travelers who want more than the usual beach-and-pool script.

New Flights for Caribbean Travelers: LIAT Air launched a historic nonstop between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Montego Bay (Jamaica) on July 14, starting with 33 passengers on a twice-weekly, year-round schedule (Tuesdays and Saturdays) and aiming to grow to daily service as demand rises. Tourism Boost: Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Tova Hamilton framed the route as “every seat is opportunity,” from taxi drivers to farmers and artisans—while also cutting out long layovers for smoother regional trips. Regional Connectivity: Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism authority called it a win for the whole Caribbean, positioning Guadeloupe as a gateway for multi-destination travel. Sargassum Response: OECS delegates are using lessons from Martinique and Guadeloupe to tackle sargassum with EU-backed support, focusing on better collection and turning seaweed into economic resources. Cruise Ideas for the Season: Oceania Cruises is expanding its Caribbean program for 2026 with longer itineraries and food-and-culture shore excursions, including stops in Guadeloupe. Boutique Stays to Watch: A new list spotlights 15 lesser-known Caribbean hotels, including a Guadeloupe retreat, for travelers craving quieter, more distinctive stays.

Air Connectivity Boost: LIAT Air launched a historic nonstop between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Montego Bay (Jamaica), starting with a twice-weekly year-round service (Tuesdays and Saturdays) carrying 33 passengers, with plans to grow to daily as demand rises—Jamaica’s tourism minister framed it as “every seat” creating opportunities for local taxi drivers, farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs. Regional Tourism Links: Antigua and Barbuda’s tourism authority called the route a win for the whole Caribbean, positioning Guadeloupe as a gateway for multi-destination trips and stronger cultural exchange. Sargassum Response: OECS delegates, supported by the EU RIGHT Programme and SARSEA, are adapting management and “valorisation” ideas from Martinique and Guadeloupe after a June 1–5 study tour, aiming to reduce impacts on coasts, ecosystems, and tourism while exploring ways to turn seaweed into economic value. Cruise Spotlight: Oceania Cruises unveiled refreshed 2026 Caribbean itineraries (7–14 days) with longer routes, smaller ports, and food-and-culture shore excursions that include Guadeloupe and Pointe-à-Pitre market visits. Travel Inspiration: A new list highlights 15 small, personality-packed Caribbean hotels that are largely off the mainstream radar, including a Guadeloupe retreat and other lesser-known island stays.

Air Connectivity Boost: LIAT has launched a historic nonstop service between Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe) and Montego Bay (Jamaica), starting July 14 with twice-weekly, year-round flights (Tuesdays and Saturdays) and plans to scale up to daily as demand grows—promising shorter trips and fresh tourism opportunities across the French Caribbean. Tourism Impact: Jamaica’s Tourism State Minister Tova Hamilton framed the route as more than passenger movement, highlighting knock-on benefits for local taxi operators, farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs, while Antigua & Barbuda officials called Guadeloupe a gateway for multi-destination travel. Cruise Spotlight: Oceania Cruises is expanding its Caribbean program for the 2026 season with 7–14 day itineraries that favor smaller ports and immersive, food-and-culture shore excursions, including visits tied to Guadeloupe. Sargassum Solutions: OECS delegates are using lessons from a Martinique/Guadeloupe study tour to push a more coordinated sargassum management plan across Eastern Caribbean states, supported by EU funding and the SARSEA project, with an eye on turning seaweed into economic value.

New Direct Flights: LIAT has launched a historic nonstop service from Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe to Montego Bay, Jamaica—twice weekly and year-round (Tuesdays and Saturdays), with plans to grow to daily as demand rises. Tourism Boost: Officials say the route cuts out long layovers and strengthens regional links, opening Jamaica to the French Caribbean and supporting multi-destination trips across the islands. Cruise Spotlight: Oceania Cruises is expanding its Caribbean program for 2026 with 7–14 day itineraries that include Guadeloupe shore excursions, plus more immersive, food-and-culture focused stops across the region. Sargassum Solutions: The OECS is looking to French Caribbean experience (including Martinique and Guadeloupe) to tackle sargassum, using a recent study tour to shape a more coordinated, practical approach and explore turning seaweed into economic opportunities. Regional Connections: The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority also hailed the LIAT launch as a “region’s gain,” not a single-destination win.

Caribbean Travel Deal: Star Clippers is offering a limited-time promo for select early-2028 Caribbean and Central America sailings: two free shore excursions per cabin (via a $200 onboard credit, or $100 for solo travelers) plus a complimentary 3GB Wi‑Fi package. Regional Tourism & Community: The Rotaract District 7030 Conference returns to Antigua after more than 20 years, bringing nearly 200 young leaders across the Caribbean, including Guadeloupe and Martinique. Guadeloupe Spotlight in the Arts: Artist Noni Stuart, inspired by a vacation photo in Guadeloupe, is unveiling a new portrait display tied to Burlington’s “Red Door Church” weekly dinners. Visa Rules for French Overseas Territories: France has published updated conditions for visa-free entry to non-European French territories, naming only one African country eligible under specific requirements. Sports & Travel Interest: France’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan (“Magic Mike”) is profiled ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with family roots linked to Guadeloupe. Local Safety Note: Three men from France and Guadeloupe were arrested in Zurich after a gun shop break-in and high-speed chase.