Martinique Highlights Airlift Momentum and Market Growth at South Florida Travel & Adventure Show
Source: Martinique Tourism Authority
Muriel Wiltord with Glenn Heilbron at the Travel & Adventure Show in Fort Lauderdale
FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (March 4, 2026) — The Martinique Tourism Authority highlighted strong demand from the U.S. market while engaging in discussions to further enhance air connectivity during the inaugural South Florida Travel & Adventure Show in Fort Lauderdale last weekend.
Glenn Heilbron, senior sales account manager for American Airlines, confirmed that the existing nonstop service from Miami has been performing well, with strong demand and consistently high load factors. He indicated that the airline continues to evaluate opportunities to expand service in response to market performance. Heilbron shared the update alongside Director of the Americas for the Martinique Tourism Authority Muriel Wiltord during an advisor-focused panel at the show.
The session, “Selling the Caribbean Smarter: Destination Updates & Advisor Insights,” was moderated by Jim Forberg, COO of the Travel & Adventure Show, and also featured Danielle Weekes, business development manager for North America at the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, and Kim Riddle, senior business development manager for the Aruba Tourism Authority.
Beyond airlift, Wiltord highlighted Martinique’s growing villa accommodations and the island’s culinary identity, shaped by African, French and Creole influences, as key selling points for advisors fielding demand for more immersive, culturally distinct travel.
“Travelers don’t just visit Martinique, they experience a living culture,” Wiltord said. “Our villa product offers space and flexibility for families and groups, while our cuisine reflects our African roots and Creole traditions.”
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| Travel & Adventure Show officials bestow “Best Booth Activation” award to the Martinique team. |
| In addition to participating in the panel, Martinique’s presence on the show floor generated significant engagement. The destination earned the “Best Booth Activation” award, recognizing its interactive showcase highlighting the island’s culture, cuisine and travel experiences. The Fort Lauderdale event marked the Travel & Adventure Show’s first expansion into South Florida, bringing the long-running show series to one of the Caribbean’s most important U.S. gateway markets. For more information about Martinique, visit us.martinique.org. |
About Martinique
Martinique, often referred to as the Caribbean island with French flair, the Isle of Flowers, the Rum Capital of the World, and the Isle of the famed poet Aimé Césaire, ranks among the world’s most enchanting destinations. As an overseas region of France, it features modern and reliable infrastructure, including well-maintained roads, utilities, hospitals, and telecommunications services on par with any other part of the European Union.
The island’s unspoiled beaches, volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, and more than 80 miles of hiking trails and waterfalls make it one of the Caribbean’s premier natural wonders. This unique blend of modern conveniences, pristine nature, and rich cultural heritage has earned Martinique several prestigious distinctions in recent years. It was featured on The New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2023” list, named “Best Caribbean Destination” by About.com, and recognized as the “Top Caribbean Island for Delectable Dining” by Caribbean Travel & Life. The Bay of Fort-de-France, fronting the island’s vibrant capital, was also inducted into The Club of the Most Beautiful Bays in the World.
Adding to its prestige, Martinique has been designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, and the iconic yole (or skiff) has been recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance. A destination like no other – Martinique c’est magnifique!
For more information, visit us.martinique.org.
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