ADVERTORIALI NEWS
ADVERTORIALI NEWS IMartinique:new air links boost tourismAir Belgium announces expanded schedule for2020 after major success of 2019 flightsStarting in winter 2020, Air Belgium is set to increaseits volume of flights to Martinique, as part of an overallincrease in links from Europe.Martinique lies in the arch ofthe Lesser Antilles islands inthe Caribbean. The island isapproximately 70km long and30km wide. The island territoryinvites visitors on an extraordinaryjourney to discover its unspoiltnatural landscapes, grandiosescenery and cultural traditions.An idyllic island surrounded bythe turquoise-blue waters of theCaribbean, it delights visitorswith its contrasting colours, itswarm and friendly inhabitants,and its rich historical and culturalheritage.And Martinique has never beenmore accessible. Since December2019, Air Belgium has beenproviding direct services toMartinique from Brussels Charleroi,facilitating access to the entirenorthern part Europe. Thesedevelopments follow the arrival ofLevel in 2018 (with the opening ofan agency in the terminal and thetripling of the frequency of weeklyflights). Traditional operators (AirFrance, Air Caraïbes, Corsair)already reinforced by AmericanAirlines and Air Canada, areimproving their frequencies andcontinuing to modernise theirfleets. And for the German clientele,there is important news, with AirFrance adding Munich/Orly linksfrom 29 March, greatly enhancingpossibilities of transport toMartinique.MODERNISATION ANDEXTENSION FORMARTINIQUE’SINTERNATIONAL AIRPORTRenovation and extension worksat Martinique’s Aimé Césaireof Lamentin airport are due forcompletion in 2020. The terminalwill virtually double in size, withbigger baggage delivery areas andboarding lounges, along with abigger check-in zone© CMT - HaughtonHIKING AND NATURE-BASED OUTDOORACTIVITIESWith more than 250km of footpathslinking beaches, tropical forests,mountains and pitons, walkers are intheir element as they explore the islandalong the French Hiking Federation’sten official hiking routes and the dozenor so other paths currently awaitingofficial status. The Presqu’île de laCaravelle offers three paths for gentlewalking, while in the south, the Savanedes Pétrifications, a former crater, willdelight all those who visit it. Mount Pelée,the island’s highest peak (1,397m), isaccessible via several footpaths from LePrêcheur, Grand’ Rivière or directly fromthe hills of Le Morne-Rouge.© R. PakielaA DIVERS’ PARADISEMartinique divingFor qualified Scuba divers, or uninitiatedsnorkelers (even children), the watersaround Martinique are home to hugelydiverse marine flora and fauna whichinclude many species of tropical fish,soft coral, sea turtles and mammals.These include the Lakay underwatertrail at Les Anses d’Arlet, marked by fourbuoys, which boasts numerous speciesof fish, coral, shells, seagrass and turtles.For visitors wishing to observe marinemammals, excursions in the heart ofthe AGOA Sanctuary are run in carefullycontrolled conditions which protect andpreserve the environment (Martiniqueboasts no fewer than 21 different speciesof cetaceans).Martinique is also home to listed andprotected underwater remains such asthe shipwrecks in Saint-Pierre bay, whichdate back to the explosion of MountPelée in 1902.HOTEL NEWSThe Hotel Plein Soleil –a well-deserved 4*:After three months ofintense work, the Hotel PleinSoleil shines again at theFrançois, in an even moreidyllic setting and proudlydisplaying its 4 th star.The iconic Hotel Diamantles Bains 4* – a longawaitedreopening:Facing the famous DiamondRock, the Diamond LesBains hotel residenceinvites guests back after amajor refurbishment.NEW - The Pelican Hotel 3*– between sea andmountains:Halfway between the Northand South of Martinique,Hotel Pelican opens itsdoors and offers stunningviews of the Caribbean Sea.The Bambou Hotel 3*– serving biodiversity:Awarded the GreenKey label dedicated tosustainable tourism, HotelBambou welcomes guestsin environmentally friendlysurroundings.8 • ITB BERLIN NEWS • THURSDAY 12 TH MARCH 2020 www.itb-berlin-news.comITB BERLIN NEWS • THURSDAY 12 TH MARCH 2020 • 9
