Guadeloupe asserts its ambition for controlled, sustainable growth
On the occasion of the Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 in Miami, Guadeloupe reaffirmed its strategic position in the Caribbean cruise industry.
Through the eyes of the Grand Port Maritime and the Comité du Tourisme the archipelago is clearly committed to combining port excellence, an enhanced tourism experience and sustainable development to enhance its international reputation.
The Grand Port Maritime : supporting the cruise industry
For Marc Gautier, Director of Prospective and Development at the Grand Port Maritime de la Guadeloupe, cruising is a major source of economic growth for the archipelago.
“Cruises are a strategic lever for Guadeloupe”, he asserts.
With its modern, high-performance infrastructures, the port can accommodate several cruise ships simultaneously, offering companies optimal conditions for their calls.
The number of calls to the destination is constantly increasing, a sign of its growing appeal.
A key factor in this dynamic is the strong local synergy.
“The collective work between the port, the Tourist Board, the service providers and the authorities guarantees a quality experience for companies and passengers alike,” emphasizes Marc Gautier.
While no major obstacles have been identified to date, the port remains vigilant: anticipating market developments is essential to maintain competitiveness and quality of service.
🎯 Marc Gautier’s ambition: to continue Guadeloupe’s rise in the cruise industry, while maintaining the excellence of its infrastructure and hospitality.
Distribute, enhance, build loyalty : the Comité du Tourisme's strategy
For Laurence Corenthin, deputy director of the Comité du Tourisme des Îles de Guadeloupe, the post-Covid recovery of the cruise business is a real opportunity – provided it is supported intelligently.
” We have experienced a rapid recovery. The challenge now is to better distribute flows and enhance the passenger experience. “she explains.
The Comité du Tourisme focuses on :
Enhancing the downtown area of Pointe-à-Pitre, to encourage cruise passengers to discover the destination as soon as they arrive,
The development of an off-season offering, to spread visitor numbers over the year,
Enhanced excursions and tourist experiences to meet the expectations of international customers in search of authenticity.
Cruises now play a major role in the local tourism economy. It has a direct, structuring impact on the archipelago’s economy, boosting trade, transport and cultural activities.
🎯 Laurence Corenthin’s vision: to position Guadeloupe sustainably as a cruise destination that is authentic, lively and respectful of its territory.
A destination on the move, looking to the future
At Seatrade 2025, Guadeloupe clearly demonstrated its ability to support tourism growth without compromising its identity.
Through the excellence of its port infrastructures, the richness of its tourism offering and the collective commitment of its players, the archipelago confirms its ambition: to make cruising a sustainable lever at the service of the territory and its inhabitants.
In Guadeloupe, a cruise is more than just a stopover: it’s an invitation to discover an authentic island on the move, proud of its roots and resolutely looking to the future.
