As travel trends shift, Guadeloupe is emerging as a captivating destination for North American travelers, thanks to enhanced airlift, a vibrant cultural calendar, and a concerted effort to engage travel advisors. While traditionally not a hotspot, Guadeloupe is steadily increasing its visibility among U.S. and Canadian tourists.
### Growing Air Connections to Guadeloupe
In September 2025, Guadeloupe welcomed 104,517 air passengers, reflecting a slight decline of 5.3% from the previous year. However, total traffic for the year remains promising, showing a 3% increase compared to 2024 with over 1.6 million passengers recorded. According to Audrey Yacou, USA Marketing Executive for the Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Board, despite the temporary dip, the market is rebounding.
The recent cessation of JetBlue’s New York service during the winter season did impact travel numbers. Nevertheless, other airlines have stepped in to maintain momentum. American Airlines has introduced seasonal service from Miami, while Air Canada has launched new routes from Toronto and Quebec, which are aiding in the recovery. Notably, there has been a 3.2% growth in the North American market for September, largely attributed to an impressive 11.4% year-over-year rise in load factors on the Montreal to Guadeloupe route.
### A Rich Cultural Experience
Guadeloupe’s appeal lies heavily in its culture. This stunning archipelago comprises five islands—Basse-Terre, Grande-Terre, Marie-Galante, Les Saintes, and La Désirade—and showcases a blend of French and Creole influences visible in its cuisine, music, and various festivals.
**Guadeloupe Carnival**: Kicking off in February, the Guadeloupe Carnival is one of the Caribbean’s most colorful celebrations. The streets come alive with parades, eye-catching costumes, and the rhythmic sounds of traditional “Group a Po” drumming.
**Fête des Cuisinières**: Held in August, this festival honors the matriarchs of Creole cuisine. Women adorned in traditional madras fabric parade through Pointe-à-Pitre, showcasing baskets filled with food and flowers.
**Route du Rhum**: In November, the archipelago plays host to the 48th annual Route du Rhum—the transatlantic sailing race beginning in Saint-Malo, France, and ending in Pointe-à-Pitre. This prestigious event transforms the city’s harbor into a week-long celebration filled with maritime history, rum tastings, and island-wide festivities.
In addition, the Memorial ACTe Museum is a significant cultural cornerstone, showcasing Guadeloupe’s artistic heritage. It is currently featuring a major exhibition dedicated to Guillaume Lethière, an 18th-century painter whose work has graced prominent institutions such as the [Louvre](https://www.louvre.fr/en) and the Clark Institute in Williamstown, Mass.
### New Developments and Enhanced Accessibility
Guadeloupe’s tourism landscape is evolving with new offerings. In 2026, the first Accor Group property, the [Pullman Royal Key Wellness Resort](https://www.five-keys.com/projets/pullman), will open in Le Moule on Grande-Terre. This will further enhance the tourism product available to visitors.
The Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Board is also intensifying its outreach efforts to travel advisors, employing strategies like webinars, roadshows, and familiarization trips, often in partnership with [Atout France](https://www.atout-france.fr/). To deepen knowledge about the destination, a certification program is available for advisors eager for specialized education.
With these developments, Guadeloupe is poised to become a prominent destination for travelers looking for both adventure and cultural richness, making it an exciting option for future trips.
