FORT-DE-FRANCE, Martinique (October 1, 2026) – Alexandre Ventadour has been named tourism commissioner of the Martinique Tourism Authority (MTA), ushering in a new phase of strategic leadership focused on strengthening Martinique’s position as a leading French-Caribbean destination.

Ventadour succeeds Bénédicte di Geronimo who stepped down from her role to dedicate herself to broader responsibilities supporting Martinique’s development, particularly through European funding initiatives. The appointment was made by Serge Letchimy, president of the Executive Council of the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique.

A seasoned leader in economic development, destination attractiveness, tourism and ecological transition, Commissioner Ventadour brings extensive experience in advancing initiatives that support sustainable growth and strengthen Martinique’s international appeal. In his new role, he will lead the MTA’s efforts to elevate the destination’s global visibility, deepen partnerships with the tourism industry and advance a vision that places authenticity, innovation and sustainability at the heart of Martinique’s tourism future.

“It is an honor to assume the role of commissioner of tourism for the Martinique Tourism Authority at such an important moment for our island,” said Commissioner Ventadour. “Having served as vice president for the past five years, I am deeply committed to this organization and eager to build on our strong foundation. My priority is to set a clear course that balances continuity with new momentum, driving an ambitious, collective and sustainable vision for Martinique’s tourism that honors our authentic identity while strengthening our international appeal.”

Under Commissioner Ventadour’s leadership, the MTA will continue to showcase Martinique’s distinctive identity, from its rich French-Caribbean heritage and acclaimed gastronomy to its extraordinary landscapes, vibrant cultural traditions and commitment to responsible tourism. His appointment reinforces Martinique’s ambition to accelerate destination growth while delivering meaningful experiences for visitors and sustainable opportunities for local communities. 

Rochester says practical advances can help tackle the Caribbean’s wider airlift challenge

THE VALLEY, Anguilla (Sept. 30, 2026) — Anguilla Director of Tourism Jameel Rochester has congratulated Trans Anguilla Airways (TAA) on its decision to establish a dedicated office and locally based team at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport in St. Kitts, describing the investment as a meaningful step toward stronger regional connectivity.

The new office, which officially opens today, will deepen the Anguillian-owned and -operated airline’s presence in St. Kitts and Nevis, enhance customer support, and allow TAA to work more closely with tourism, airport and travel trade partners in the Federation.

“TAA’s expanded presence represents much more than the opening of an airport office,” said Rochester. “It demonstrates confidence in the market, a commitment to passengers and a long-term investment in moving people more effectively among our Caribbean destinations. On behalf of the Anguilla Tourist Board, I congratulate the TAA team on this important milestone.”

“St. Kitts is more than another destination within our network,” said Vernol Gumbs, managing director of Trans Anguilla Airways. “We have longstanding ties to the Federation and consider it a second home to TAA. Establishing our own office and local team reflects our long-term commitment to the market and will enable us to provide passengers with direct, hands-on support while working more closely with our tourism and travel partners.”

Rochester, who represents Anguilla on the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Airlift Committee, said dependable and affordable regional transportation is essential to the Caribbean’s tourism competitiveness and economic development.

“The regional air connectivity challenge will not be solved overnight or by one airline, one route or one agreement,” he said. “It will take sustained cooperation and a series of practical advances. We should recognize the value of each step forward — a new office, additional service, increased capacity or easier booking — because together they move us closer to a better-connected Caribbean.”

Through its scheduled and charter operations, TAA connects Anguilla with neighboring destinations including Antigua, Nevis, St. Barths, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, St. Maarten and Tortola. TAA’s regional network also complements international air service to Anguilla, offering travelers additional options to connect with services operated by carriers including American Airlines and BermudAir, subject to schedules and individual booking requirements.

TAA’s recent availability through a global distribution system (GDS) has also increased its international visibility, making its services more accessible to travel advisors, tour operators and travelers.

TAA is also advancing plans to introduce the Beechcraft King Air C90 to its fleet with preparatory training and regulatory certification processes underway. The additional aircraft type is expected to strengthen the airline’s operational flexibility and support the continued development of its regional services.

“For small island destinations, every dependable connection matters,” said Rochester. “Regional airlift supports visitor arrivals and spending, commerce, family connections, and multi-destination travel. Our aviation partners are making an increasingly important contribution to both Anguilla’s accessibility and wider Caribbean connectivity.”

The TAA expansion forms part of a broader strengthening of Anguilla’s air access. American Airlines continues its Miami–Anguilla service, while BermudAir is resuming and expanding winter service from the United States and Canada, including new service from Toronto and Tampa/St. Petersburg, along with service from Boston, Newark and Baltimore-Washington. Together, these developments provide travelers with greater regional and international access to Anguilla.

Trans Anguilla Airways will officially open its new St. Kitts office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, Sept. 30, 2026 at 3 p.m. at Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport.

Delegation targets industry relationships, destination access and new opportunities in global yachting market

MONACO (Sept. 24, 2026) — Anguilla is advancing its luxury yachting strategy at the Monaco Yacht Show 2026 this week, engaging directly with yacht owners, operators, developers and industry leaders while gathering insights to strengthen the island’s destination and port-of-entry experience.

The delegation’s participation comes as Anguilla prepares for the upcoming yachting season and reflects a broader effort to strengthen the island’s position in the market, deepen industry relationships and ensure its tourism product and visitor experience continue to meet the expectations of luxury travelers.

Representing Anguilla are Sean Richard, chairman of the Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB); Jameel Rochester, director of tourism; Keri Rogers, manager of destination experience; and Sherman Williams, CEO of the Anguilla Air and Sea Ports Authority (AASPA).

The Monaco Yacht Show is one of the world’s premier gatherings of superyachts, yacht owners, charter professionals, luxury brands and leaders across the international yachting industry.

Throughout the show, the Anguilla delegation is participating in targeted meetings and networking engagements focused on market expectations, future collaboration and opportunities to strengthen the island’s position within the sector.

“Our presence at the Monaco Yacht Show is an important opportunity to ensure that Anguilla is represented in one of the world’s leading luxury and yachting environments,” said Richard. “Beyond showcasing the destination, we are focused on building meaningful relationships with owners, operators, developers and industry partners. These engagements allow us to better understand the opportunities ahead and how Anguilla can continue to grow within this market while preserving the qualities that make our island distinctive.” 

Anguilla’s participation also has an operational focus with AASPA using the Monaco Yacht Show to hear directly from guests about destination access, arrival procedures and the overall port experience.

“The engagements in Monaco have been valuable from a ports and destination-access perspective. They allow us to hear directly from owners, operators and industry professionals about what they expect when arriving at a luxury destination,” said Williams. 

“As we prepare for the upcoming yachting and small- to medium-sized luxury vessel season, these discussions will support further engagement and our continued efforts to enhance the official port-of-entry experience at Road Bay including stronger coordination among the relevant agencies and stakeholders. Our aim is for the arrival experience to reflect the quality, efficiency and hospitality associated with Anguilla.”

The participation of both ATB and AASPA reflects an effort to connect destination promotion with the full visitor journey, from arrival and port procedures to the experiences yacht owners, charter guests and other visitors enjoy across the island.

From left: Sean Richard; Tahiana Schwan, area director of sales for Belmond Hotels’ Caribbean portfolio which includes Cap Juluca; and Jameel Rochester at the Owners’ Club Cocktail Reception during the Monaco Yacht Show 2026. Belmond was also a sponsor partner for the event.

As part of its Monaco activities, ATB also partnered with BOAT International as a Premier Partner and participated as a host destination for an exclusive Owners’ Club Cocktail Reception aboard the 111-meter Leviathan motor yacht, hosted by Oceanco.

The reception provided an opportunity to introduce Anguilla to an international audience of yacht owners and industry stakeholders through destination content and an Anguilla-inspired culinary activation.

Guests were served the Shoal Bay Margarita, created for the occasion and rimmed with locally produced Anguillian salt supplied by Josveek Huligar of Anguilla Sands, Salts & Chocolate in South Hill Village. The activation highlighted Anguilla’s culinary identity while providing exposure for a local enterprise.

Anguilla is also featured in a two-page spread in “BOAT International: The Monaco Issue,” highlighting the island’s beaches, gastronomy, accommodations and appeal to yacht owners and charter guests seeking privacy, authenticity and understated luxury.

“Anguilla is uniquely suited to the luxury yachting market. Our destination offers exceptional experiences without compromising the privacy, authenticity and effortless sophistication that today’s discerning traveler values,” said Rochester. 

“Through strategic partnerships such as BOAT International, together with direct engagement with yacht owners, operators and key industry stakeholders, we are strengthening Anguilla’s visibility and creating opportunities to establish the island as an essential part of the Caribbean yachting itinerary.”

The Monaco mission forms part of ATB’s broader strategy to attract high-value visitors while ensuring tourism growth remains aligned with Anguilla’s distinctive brand, local economic opportunities and commitment to quality experiences.

ST. GEORGE’S, Grenada (Sept. 16, 2026) — Grenada recorded a 20% increase in total visitor arrivals during the 2026 Spicemas period, underscoring the festival’s continued growth as one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive cultural tourism experiences.

Arrival figures for the 10-day period covering the height of the Spicemas season, Aug. 2-11, 2026, show that total arrivals increased from 9,448 in 2025 to 11,299 in 2026. Non-national tourist arrivals recorded particularly strong growth, rising from 8,040 in 2025 to 9,958 in 2026, a 24% increase over the previous year.

Adrian Thomas, minister for tourism, creative economy and culture, said the growth reflects the increasing strength of Spicemas as both a national celebration and an important driver of Grenada’s tourism and creative economy.

“Spicemas continues to demonstrate the power of culture as a pillar of Grenada’s tourism development. This growth in arrivals speaks to the appeal of our people, our creativity, our music and the experiences that visitors and returning nationals seek when they come to Grenada. We remain committed to supporting product development, cultural preservation and the continued strengthening of events that create opportunity for our communities and bring economic benefit across the country.”

The 2026 performance also represents sustained growth compared with the 2024 Spicemas period, when Grenada recorded 7,970 arrivals during the comparable 10-day window.
The festival period generated strong activity across accommodations, transportation, restaurants, entertainment venues, tour operators, vendors and other tourism-linked businesses, further demonstrating Spicemas’ broader economic impact.