On the southwest coast of Saint Lucia, near the town of Soufrière, Anse Chastanet is one of the most remarkable sites on the Caribbean coast. This bay, bordered by tropical hills and facing the Caribbean Sea, combines a preserved natural environment, a discreet historical heritage and one of the island’s most accessible reefs. Today, Anse Chastanet is an ideal vantage point for travellers with a keen eye for the landscape and marine life of the Caribbean islands.
A natural bay in the heart of Saint Lucia's volcanic coastline
Anse Chastanet lies a few kilometers north of Soufrière, on a stretch of coast dominated by volcanic relief and tropical forests. The landscape is characteristic of this part of Saint Lucia: steep hills covered in vegetation, a deep sea close to shore and, offshore, the silhouette of the Pitons, two volcanic mountains listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The bay itself is relatively protected, which explains the clarity of the waters and the richness of the marine ecosystem. The sand here is of volcanic origin and often has a dark hue, typical of many beaches in the south of the island. This geological configuration is a reminder that Saint Lucia is first and foremost a volcanic island, where sea and mountain coexist within a very short distance.
A reef accessible directly from the beach
One of the things that sets Anse Chastanet apart in the Caribbean is its close proximity to the coral reef. Just a few meters from the shore, visitors can observe a marine zone rich in tropical fish and coral formations. The reef starts around ten meters from the water’s edge and then develops into a plateau before gradually descending to greater depths. This configuration allows snorkeling directly from the beach. Over 150 species of fish have been recorded in this area, making it one of Saint Lucia’s best-known coastal diving sites.
To protect this fragile environment, certain areas of the reef are marked to prevent boat access. This organization helps to preserve the marine fauna while ensuring safe viewing for visitors.
A beach open to the public
Although the bay is associated with a hotel establishment, Anse Chastanet beach remains open to the public. Visitors can spend the day here, swimming or snorkeling, even if they are not staying in nearby accommodation. This accessibility contributes to the site’s popularity, particularly with travelers exploring the Soufrière coast. On-site services include restaurants, a diving center and water sports facilities.
A coastal path also leads to the nearby beach of Anse Mamin, just a few minutes’ walk away. This second, more discreet bay is surrounded by the remains of an old colonial plantation.
A site marked by the history of plantations
Behind Anse Chastanet beach lie the ruins of a plantation dating back to the XVIIIᵉ century. These remains bear witness to Saint Lucia’s agricultural history, when sugar production dominated the island’s economy. Today, these traces of the past are integrated into the landscape. Trails allow visitors to explore the ancient stone structures and observe how tropical vegetation has gradually reclaimed the site.
This historical presence adds an extra dimension to the visit: Anse Chastanet is not just a beach, but also a place where colonial history, nature and tourism meet.
A bay integrated into a protected environment
The Anse Chastanet area lies at the heart of Saint Lucia’s marine reserves. These protected areas were set up to preserve the coral reefs and marine ecosystems surrounding the island. This environmental management is essential to maintain the balance between tourism and conservation of the natural environment. Nautical activities are therefore restricted, and certain areas are reserved exclusively for underwater observation.
A destination representative of the natural Caribbean
Anse Chastanet encapsulates several major characteristics of the Caribbean landscape: a sea rich in biodiversity, a dense tropical forest and a coastline shaped by volcanic activity. This combination explains why the bay attracts divers, photographers and travelers in search of an unspoilt environment. Located in one of Saint Lucia’s most spectacular regions, in the immediate vicinity of the Pitons and the mountainous relief of the island’s south, Anse Chastanet offers a clear reading of the local geography. It is a reminder that the Caribbean is not just about beaches, but also about landscapes, history and marine ecosystems.
For visitors wishing to explore Saint Lucia beyond the classic seaside resorts, Anse Chastanet is today a benchmark site, where nature, sea and heritage meet in a relatively unspoilt area.
Anse Chastanet is located on the southwest coast of Saint Lucia, near the town of Soufrière, in the Caribbean Sea.
The bay is renowned for its coral reef, accessible directly from the beach, which is home to over 150 species of fish and is one of the island’s best-known dive sites.
Yes, the beach at Anse Chastanet is open to the public, and visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling or any of the services available on site.
From May 22 to 27, 2026 Grenada will host a new edition of the Grenada Chocolate Fest 2026. Over the years, this event has become one of the most unique on the island’s gastronomic and cultural calendar. The theme of this year’s event is an ambitious one: “Reimagining Caribbean Cocoa – From Roots to Renaissance”, an invitation to rethink cocoa from its historical roots and imagine new perspectives.
For six days, producers, chocolatiers, chefs, artisans, researchers, locals and visitors from all over the world come together to celebrate cocoa in all its forms: agriculture, gastronomy, well-being, creation and cultural transmission. More than just a gourmet festival, Grenada Chocolate Fest 2026 offers a complete immersion in the world of Grenadian cocoa, from the plantations to the artisanal creations that have made the island’s chocolate world famous.
A story born of a passion for Grenadian cocoa
Grenada Chocolate Fest 2026 is part of a story that began in 2014, when Grenada decided to put the spotlight on one of its most precious agricultural heritages: cocoa.
The festival was conceived to promote the “tree-to-bar “tree-to-bar”, an approach that involves mastering every stage of chocolate production, from growing the cocoa to making the bar. This vision was developed in Grenada by a number of entrepreneurs and craftsmen who were convinced that cocoa could become a true symbol of the island’s identity.
Among the key figures in this story are Mott Green founder of the Grenada Chocolate Company, whose commitment to sustainable, artisanal, solar-powered chocolate has had a profound impact on the development of the industry on the island. Since its inception, the festival has pursued a clear objective: to enable visitors and locals alike to understand the complete cocoa journey, from plantation to finished product, while promoting the farmers, artisans and communities who perpetuate this know-how.
A festival that grew with the cocoa industry
Over the years, the festival has gradually gained international recognition in the world of artisan chocolate and gastronomic tourism. Today, each edition attracts fine cocoa experts, chefs, culinary innovators and local producers, as well as visitors from the Caribbean, Europe and North America.
This development also reflects the transformation of Grenada’s cocoa sector. The island is now renowned for the quality of its cocoa and for the presence of several companies specializing in the production of artisanal chocolate. Against this backdrop, Grenada Chocolate Fest 2026 is part of a wider dynamic: that of a region transforming its agricultural heritage into a cultural, economic and tourism driver.
The Grenada Chocolate Fest 2026 program
The 2026 edition offers six days of varied activities. Each day is designed as a journey to explore cocoa from different angles. Each day is designed as a journey to explore cocoa from different angles.
May 22: festival opening and first chocolate experiences
The festival kicks off with a series of meetings and events dedicated to the cocoa industry. The first day brings together producers, specialists and enthusiasts for discussions and exchanges on the future of cocoa, while offering a number of experiments to help visitors understand the first stages of chocolate processing.
Participants can attend lectures dedicated to cocoa, discover an exhibition devoted to artisanal products, take part in a chocolate candy-making workshop or create their own chocolate bar. The day ends with a festive evening at a historic estate on the island, marking the official opening of the festival.
May 23: well-being, gastronomy and family activities
The second day focuses more on sensory experience and well-being. Cocoa is explored as a gastronomic ingredient, but also as an element associated with health, relaxation and creativity. A number of experiments are proposed around cocoa and superfoods, while a cocoa village hosts family activities and interactive workshops to discover the different flavors of chocolate.
Culinary demonstrations and tastings punctuate the day, which concludes with a gourmet dinner showcasing the products and culinary talents of Grenada.
May 24: immersion in nature and cocoa plantations
The third day invites participants to discover cocoa in its natural environment. A hike explores some of the island’s most emblematic landscapes, notably in the direction of a waterfall, while an artistic brunch offers an original encounter between gastronomy and creation. A culinary demonstration inspired by Rastafari culture also illustrates the links between cocoa, traditions and Caribbean cuisine. One of the highlights of the day is an immersive tour of a historic cocoa estate, where visitors can observe the various stages of cocoa production. The day ends with a festive chocolate party.
May 25: chocolate, perfumes and the Grenadian art of living
The fourth day of the festival highlights the Grenadian art of living. Participants can start the day with a yoga session accompanied by a cocoa butter massage, before setting off to discover some of the island’s secret beaches on a guided walk. A gastronomic tour then explores local flavors, while a cocoa and fragrance experience highlights the links between chocolate, spices and aromatherapy. A gastronomic tasting in a prestigious setting completes this day dedicated to the senses.
The day continues with a market of local artisans and artists, accompanied by musical entertainment celebrating Grenadian culture.
May 26: passing on chocolate-making know-how
The fifth day of the Grenada Chocolate Fest 2026 emphasizes transmission and learning. Visitors can take part in experiments combining rum and chocolate, discover the island’s culinary specialities on a gastronomic tour, or learn how to make chocolate sweets alongside local artisans.
There are also workshops where you can plant a cocoa tree and make your own chocolate bar, giving you a hands-on experience of the work of cocoa growers and chocolatiers.
May 27: artistic creation and closing party
The final day of the festival celebrates creativity and conviviality. Participants can discover a natural spa inspired by cocoa, take part in an artistic workshop combining chocolate and spices, or create jewelry from cocoa beans. An introduction to the traditional process of making the cocoa balls used to prepare Grenadian tea also introduces participants to a culinary practice that is emblematic of the island. The festival concludes with a culinary and musical street party, marking the end of a six-day celebration of Grenadian cocoa.
A festival open to families
Grenada Chocolate Fest 2026 is also designed as an event accessible to all ages. Children can take part in a number of specially adapted activities, including chocolate-making workshops, creative cocoa activities and fun activities that allow them to discover the world of chocolate in an interactive way. This family dimension contributes to making the festival a moment of intergenerational transmission of Grenadian cocoa heritage.
Grenada Chocolate Fest 2026: much more than a gourmet festival
The Grenada Chocolate Fest 2026 Through plantations, workshops, culinary experiences and encounters, cocoa appears as a thread linking agriculture, crafts, tourism and cultural identity.
More than just a gastronomic celebration, the festival shows how Grenada is transforming its cocoa heritage into a living project, capable of bringing together producers, creators and visitors around the same passion. From May 22 to 27, 2026, Grenada thus confirms its role as a benchmark in the world of artisan chocolate and in the promotion of cocoa as a living heritage.
The Grenada Chocolate Fest 2026 takes place from May 22 to 27, 2026 on the island of Grenada. For six days, the festival features conferences, chocolate-making workshops, tastings, plantation tours and cultural events dedicated to cocoa.
The festival offers a wide range of experiences: chocolate-making workshops, gourmet tastings, visits to cocoa plantations, nature walks, wellness experiences, culinary tours and cultural events.
The festival showcases Grenada’s cocoa heritage, supports local producers and strengthens the island’s international reputation in the field of artisan chocolate and gastronomic tourism.
Caribbean hotel executive Janelle Hopkin was honored on the international stage at the 2026 edition of the prestigious ITB Berlin one of the world’s most important tourism industry events. On March 4, 2026, the President and CEO of the Spice Island Beach Resort received the PATWA Gold Award – Woman of the Year in Hospitality (Caribbean) at the PATWA World Tourism & Aviation Leaders’ Summit an annual summit that brings together tourism leaders, ministers and international experts.
This distinction recognizes its major role in the development and promotion of the Caribbean hotel industry worldwide. It is also part of an edition marked by several awards to Grenada, confirming the archipelago’s rise to prominence on the international tourism scene.
International recognition for Caribbean leadership
PATWA International Travel Awards organized by the Pacific Area Travel Writers Association. Each year, the awards recognize the destinations, companies and personalities that are shaping the future of global tourism. Founded in 1999, this international organization of tourism journalists and experts is affiliated to UN Tourism (formerly the World Tourism Organization). The distinctions awarded by the jury are based on several criteria: leadership, innovation, contribution to sustainable development and overall impact on the industry.
For the 2026 edition, more than 550 nominations were reviewed before the selection of around 80 international winners. In this highly competitive environment, the awards won by our company are a testament to the high standards and credibility of these awards in the travel and hospitality sector. In this highly competitive context, the distinction obtained by Janelle Hopkin is a major recognition for the Caribbean and for the model of hospitality embodied by the Spice Island Beach Resort.
A woman at the helm of a symbol of Caribbean luxury
Located on the famous Grand Anse Beach the Spice Island Beach Resort is one of the region’s most renowned establishments. This independent hotel complex offers 64 elegant suites including 17 with private pool and 32 suites directly on the beach. The establishment stands out for its upscale positioning, combining Caribbean hospitality, personalized service and environmental commitment.
Founded by Sir Royston Hopkin. After the death of its founder, the management of the resort was entrusted to his daughter. After the death of its founder, the management of the resort was entrusted to his daughter. Janelle Hopkin who continues the legacy of this hotel institution. Under his leadership, the resort has retained the prestigious distinction AAA Five Diamond one of the most demanding certifications in the international hotel industry, while multiplying awards for service quality and environmental initiatives.
A vision focused on sustainable and responsible tourism
Beyond the resort’s commercial success, Janelle Hopkin’s recognition is also based on her commitment to responsible tourism.
For several years now, the manager has been promoting a hospitality model based on three pillars:
- – preserving the coastal environment
- – local community involvement
- – excellence in hotel service
In a context where island destinations are particularly exposed to the effects of climate change, this sustainable approach is becoming a strategic issue for the future of Caribbean tourism. This is in line with the global strategy of Grenada, which seeks to develop tourism based on cultural authenticity, the enhancement of its heritage and the active participation of its inhabitants.
Grenada raises its profile on the world tourism scene
Janelle Hopkin’s award is just one in a series of accolades Grenada has won at the PATWA International Travel Awards 2026.
Awards include:
- – Destination of the Year – Caribbean Experiences for Grenada
- – Tourism Minister of the Year – Sustainable Development for Adrian Thomas
- – Excellence in Destination Development for Stacey Liburd, Tourism Board Director
- – Best All-Inclusive Resort – Caribbean for Spice Island Beach Resort
These awards testify to the joint efforts of public and private players in Grenada’s tourism industry to boost the destination’s international competitiveness.
An inspiration for women in the tourism industry
In her acceptance speech, Janelle Hopkin underlined the symbolic significance of the award. In her view, this award is not just a recognition of an individual’s achievements: it highlights the leadership capacity of Caribbean women in the global tourism industry.
The hospitality sector, while highly feminized in its operational professions, is still largely dominated by men in management positions. Janelle Hopkin’s career path is helping to redefine leadership models in the international hotel industry. She also stressed the importance of training and supporting new generations of tourism professionals, a vital issue for island destinations whose economies are largely dependent on this industry.
Janelle Hopkin is President and General Manager of the Spice Island Beach Resort a luxury resort located in Grenada in the Caribbean. She took over the management of the family resort founded by her father, Sir Royston Hopkin a major figure in the island’s tourism development. Under his leadership, the establishment continues to distinguish itself for its upscale hospitality, personalized service and commitment to sustainable tourism.
In 2026, Janelle Hopkin received the PATWA Gold Award – Woman of the Year in Hospitality (Caribbean) at the PATWA World Tourism & Aviation Leaders’ Summit, held during ITB Berlin in Germany. This international distinction recognizes her leadership in the Caribbean hospitality industry, as well as her role in promoting a hospitality model based on service excellence, enhancement of local culture and sustainable tourism development.
The Spice Island Beach Resort is located on the famous Grand Anse Beach in Grenada, in the Lesser Antilles. This luxury beachfront hotel is renowned for its elegant suites, some with private pools, and for the quality of its welcome and service. One of the most renowned resorts in the Caribbean, it attracts travelers every year in search of an upscale hotel experience in an exceptional natural setting.
On March 7, 2026, the Keyce Academy campus in Fort-de-France was transformed into a travel forum. Students in the BTS Tourisme Martinique program orchestrated the third edition of the “Challengers du Monde”: a fictitious but fully professional show, where each destination – from Japan to Brazil, from Dominica to New Orleans, from London to Martinique – was told through a mythical film.
A student-driven project from A to Z
Lilia and three other students in the BTS Tourisme Martinique program welcome visitors. Behind her, carefully constructed stands, entertainment and the smell of cooking – the Keyce Academy campus has taken on the air of an international tourism trade fair.
The concept is simple in statement, demanding in execution. Second-year teams choose a film, then build their entire sales pitch around the destination featured in the film: travel offers, events, communication media. First-year teams, on the other hand, manage the event’s communications. This is the role played by Nolan and Loémy, both in their first year.
"The aim is to present tourist destinations through a mythical film. For example, we have Pirates of the Caribbean with Dominica - and many others. There will be tastings on the stands, little games and entertainment."
Teeyane, New Orleans and Creole flavors
One of the stands that stood out was that of Teeyane and her fictitious agency Louisiane Vibes. Based on the theme of The Princess and the Frog, it offers a complete package: Fort-de-France-Miami-New Orleans flight, three-star hotel in the French Quarter, bayou cruise and five-day discovery pass.
"We're offering a trip from Fort-de-France to New Orleans at €2,008 per person, which includes the flight with a stopover in Miami, a three-star hotel in the French Quarter, a cruise through the bayous - the marshes found in New Orleans - and a discovery pass for museums and activities."
The stand also played on the senses, with games to discover spices, New Orleans-style beignets, and activities based on the history of Louisiana. A choice that resonates with Martinique, a Caribbean island that shares a common Creole history with Louisiana.
A few steps away, Davelie transported visitors to London with the fictitious Windsor Palace a royal tour in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II, including English tea and scones.
"We're based in London. We work mainly on the royal route, retracing the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth II, who died in 2022. We offer visitors the chance to discover the historical monuments that retrace her path to the Crown. And we're also offering you the chance to take part in our events and win lots of prizes."
Japan, Brazil, Dominica, Martinique and many others were also among the destinations honored – each carried by the breath of a film, each defended with the same professional seriousness.
What two days at the show can really teach you
The event was held in conjunction with Keyce Academy’s Open Day. The students welcomed high-school students, families and journalists at the same time – a confrontation with a real audience that makes the exercise all the more valuable.
"The important thing is really to endure tourism, to endure the public. It's having the public in front of you, working on your oratory and practicing how to receive them. That's very important for us in tourism."
As for Loémy, she remembers the human richness of the experience – and in particular the discovery of the second years, whose stands she was able to visit and measure the work accomplished.
"During the show, we got to know our second-year BTS Tourism students a little better. We were able to talk with them and discover their stand - which was very interesting. In a word, what I'd take away from it: collaboration."
Keyce Academy: work-study at the heart of training
Keyce Academy Martinique offers post-baccalaureate training in four sectors – Commerce, Tourism, IT, Health – from bac+2 to bac+5, with work-study as the common thread. For Mr. Lecurieux Lafferronnay, Director of the Training Division, the Challengers du Monde embody precisely this pedagogical philosophy.
"The Challengers du Monde is an integral part of the curriculum for students who choose to do a BTS in Tourism. It allows them to combine theory and practice, and to show visitors what our young people are capable of."
"This year was incredible. Our young people are committed, involved and creative. And visitors came away reassured that our young people have talent."
These students in Martinique’s BTS Tourism program, who are selling New Orleans, Tokyo or Rio today, will be ambassadors for their own island tomorrow. They have learned to tell the world. They’ll know how to tell the story of Martinique.
Les Challengers du Monde is a fictional tourism trade show organized each year by Keyce Academy’s BTS Tourisme Martinique students. Each team designs a stand around a destination featured in a mythical film, with travel offers, animations and a professional sales pitch.
A BTS in Tourism in Martinique enables you to train for a career in tourism in a dynamic Caribbean region, combining theory and real-life situations. Keyce Academy offers this sandwich course, from bac+2 to bac+5, in Fort-de-France.
Yes, film tourism generates a flow of visitors to film locations. In the Caribbean, destinations such as Dominica (Pirates of the Caribbean) and Martinique benefit from this visibility. The Martinique Tourism BTS integrates this reality into its teaching methods.
In the Bahamas archipelago, Exuma occupies a special place. This territory is not a single island, but a long chain of islets and cays stretching over 200 kilometers into the Caribbean Sea. For travelers, it represents a strong image of the Caribbean: shallow waters, sandbanks, small scattered islands and a constant relationship with the ocean.
The Exuma archipelago is made up of more than 360 islands and cays. The largest is Great Exuma, home to the main town of George Town. Great Exuma is linked by a bridge to Little Exuma, the second largest island in the district. This territorial configuration gives the whole area a clear organization: a few inhabited areas, surrounded by a multitude of largely unspoilt islets.
An area built around the sea
In Exuma, the sea isn’t just a landscape: it structures the whole of local life. The locals have historically made their living from fishing, sailing and ocean-related activities. The Bahamas’ shallow waters create vast turquoise lagoons, characteristic of the archipelago. The geography of the islands is relatively flat, composed of sand, limestone and low vegetation dominated by palms and coastal shrubs. This morphology allows the formation of numerous natural beaches and sandbanks visible at low tide.
For visitors, this configuration favors maritime activities: sailing between islets, coral reef observation and exploration of secluded coves.
An archipelago known for its scattered islets
One of the island’s most striking features is its scattered islets. The chain of islets forms a maritime corridor punctuated by uninhabited cays, small marinas and coastal villages. This geography has made the island particularly popular with sailors and travelers wishing to explore the Caribbean by sea. Some islands have become famous for their landscapes or natural features. These include Big Major Cay often called Pig Beach, attracts the attention of visitors for the presence of a colony of pigs living on the island. This uninhabited site has become a well-known tourist attraction in the archipelago.
The origin of these animals remains uncertain. There are several accounts of sailors who left the pigs on the island, or of an ancient shipwreck. Whatever the explanation, their presence today contributes to the archipelago’s notoriety.
An important marine protected area
It is also renowned for its environmental protection efforts. The archipelago is home to the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, created in 1958. The park covers a vast marine and terrestrial area designed to preserve coral reefs, mangroves and local biodiversity. The park is one of the first marine reserves of its kind in the world. Fishing is prohibited to protect ecosystems and fish populations. This conservation policy contributes to maintaining a relatively intact marine environment and supporting local species.
The park’s waters are home to sea turtles, conch, groupers and various species of seabirds that nest on isolated cays.
A history linked to the colonization of the Bahamas
The island’s history dates back to the end of the XVIIIᵉ century. After the American War of Independence, British Loyalist settlers moved to the islands to develop plantations, particularly of cotton. George Town, today the district’s main urban center, was founded at this time and bears the name of King George III. Over time, the agricultural economy declined and maritime activities took on greater importance. Today, the economy is based mainly on tourism, shipping and related services.
A region focused on nautical tourism
Exuma’s geographical configuration attracts many visitors interested in sailing, diving and coral reef exploration. Marinas and small ports serve as departure points for more isolated cays. Sea excursions allow visitors to visit several islands in a single day, a practice often referred to as “island hopping”. This approach fits in well with the geography of the territory, which is best discovered by sea rather than by road.
An emblematic Bahamas destination
For travelers, Exuma offers a very legible island experience: a large main island, Great Exuma, surrounded by a multitude of cays accessible by boat. This configuration alternates between inhabited villages and largely unspoilt seascapes. In this way, Exuma illustrates a Caribbean turned towards the ocean, where the archipelago and the sea remain the structuring elements of the territory.
Exuma is a district of the Bahamas located in the central part of the archipelago, southeast of Nassau. The territory consists of a long chain of islands and cays, stretching some 200 kilometers into the tropical Atlantic Ocean. The main inhabited islands are Great Exuma and Little Exuma linked by a bridge near the main town, George Town. The rest of the archipelago comprises hundreds of small, often uninhabited islands, accessible mainly by boat.
Exuma is particularly renowned for the clarity of its turquoise waters and the presence of numerous islets surrounded by shallow lagoons. The archipelago also attracts attention for its Pig Beach a small island known for its swimming pigs, now one of the Bahamas’ most photographed attractions. Beyond this curiosity, Exuma is also appreciated for its coral reefs, natural beaches and sandbars that appear at low tide.
The Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park is a nature reserve created in 1958 to protect the archipelago’s marine and terrestrial ecosystems. The park covers several dozen kilometers of islands and protected waters. Fishing is prohibited to preserve the coral reefs and marine biodiversity. Today, the park is one of the oldest examples of marine protection in the Bahamas, attracting visitors interested in sailing, diving and marine wildlife observation.
With almost 12 million visitors by 2025, the Dominican Republic is set to become Latin America’s second-largest tourist destination, just behind Mexico. The announcement was made on February 27, 2026 by Luis Abinader during his State of the Nation address on the occasion of Independence Day.
Behind this figure – over 11.7 million visitors to be precise – lie major economic, geopolitical and structural challenges for a region of 11.5 million inhabitants. Tourism performance contrasts with a slowdown in economic growth, from 5.1% in 2024 to 2.1% in 2025.
11.7 million visitors: a performance on a national scale
According to the Dominican Head of State, 2025 will see annual growth of 4.3%, i.e. almost 500,000 more visitors than in 2024, and over 4 million more than in 2019. One indicator is particularly striking: the country now receives more than one visitor per inhabitant. Few destinations achieve this ratio. In the Caribbean and Latin American space, this places the Dominican Republic in the category of the world’s major tourist powers. The country, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, thus confirms its position as a major hub for regional tourism.
Cruises: over 3 million passengers
This performance is not based solely on air tourism. The Dominican Republic welcomed over 3 million cruise passengers in 2025, representing 6% growth over 2024. This maritime dynamic consolidates the country’s position on Caribbean itineraries. It also boosts indirect economic spin-offs: excursions, catering, port services and logistics.
Dominican tourism thus relies on a double strength:
- – seaside resorts with high hotel capacity,
- – the rise of cruise ports.
Punta Cana and Santo Domingo: two structuring pillars
The Dominican Republic’s international reputation remains closely linked to its beaches, particularly those of Punta Cana in the east of the country. The all-inclusive model remains dominant, structured around large hotel complexes. Conversely, Santo Domingo offers a different view of the country, based on its colonial architecture and World Heritage-listed historic center. This seaside/heritage duality enables the destination to diversify its appeal.
It is precisely this combination that explains the resilience of the Dominican model: a massive offer, but also a cultural dimension that can be exploited.
Economic growth slows sharply
While tourism is posting record figures, the Dominican economy is marking time. Growth has fallen to 2.1% in 2025, from 5.1% in 2024, below even the 2.5% forecast by the central bank. However, the President noted that by January 2026, growth had already reached 3.5%, with a projection of 4.5% for the current year.
This discrepancy between tourism performance and the global slowdown raises a central question: can tourism alone sustain national growth?
The technological gamble: agreement with Google and space ambitions
During his speech, Luis Abinader mentioned an agreement worth over 500 million dollars signed with Google for the construction of the first international digital exchange port in Latin America. This project positions the Dominican Republic in the strategic field of digital infrastructures.
Even more symbolic was the announcement that no rocket or satellite would be launched from Dominican territory before 2028. This statement reflects the country’s determination to pursue a path of technological innovation that goes beyond tourism.
French market: a strategic objective
Around 150,000 French people visit the Dominican Republic every year. The French market is considered a priority, with a target of 260,000 French visitors by 2026. The resumption of direct flights by Air France reinforces this ambition. The country is also counting on the presence of the world’s largest Club Med on its territory to attract European customers.
For the wider Caribbean, this orientation confirms a strategic repositioning: consolidating Europe as a stable issuing market in the face of North American fluctuations.
Latin America's second-biggest destination: a strategic turning point
Becoming Latin America’s second-largest tourist destination is not just a political slogan. It’s a structural marker. With over 11.7 million visitors, annual growth of 4.3%, more than 3 million cruise passengers and an exceptional visitor/inhabitant ratio, the Dominican Republic has confirmed its status as a Caribbean powerhouse. But the year 2025 also shows that tourism performance does not automatically guarantee equivalent economic expansion.
The Dominican Republic welcomed over 11.7 million visitors in 2025, representing annual growth of 4.3%. This volume places the country just behind Mexico and confirms its status as a regional tourism powerhouse.
The country has registered over 3 million cruise passengers in 2025, up 6% on 2024. Marine tourism is a major pillar of the country’s tourism economy.
Despite record tourism performance, economic growth is forecast at 2.1% in 2025, compared with 5.1% in 2024. Projections for 2026 point to a rebound to around 4.5%.
Located in the western Caribbean Sea, San Andrés is a Colombian territory in a class of its own. Closer to Nicaragua than to the South American continent, the island has a singular island identity, shaped by its maritime history, Afro-Caribbean culture and strategic role in the region. For travellers, San Andrés represents a structured, clear destination with a strong maritime orientation.
The island covers some 26 km². Its modest size makes it easy to get around and quickly grasp its organization. Coastal roads, residential areas and natural zones follow one another seamlessly, giving the whole a territorial coherence that visitors appreciate.
A Colombian island in the heart of the western Caribbean
Although administratively attached to Colombia, San Andrés belongs fully to the English-speaking and Creole-speaking Caribbean. The local population, known as raizal, retains cultural traditions linked to the British Caribbean: Creole language, musical and culinary practices, community organization. This hybrid identity – Colombian in administration, Caribbean in culture – is one of the island’s distinguishing features. It is reflected in daily life, trade and religious practices.
It is also a strategic point in the region, located some 190 kilometers off the coast of Nicaragua. This geographical position reinforces its historical and maritime importance in the Western Caribbean.
The sea as a central element
The image most associated with San Andrés remains that of the “sea of seven colors”. This expression refers to the variations in blue and turquoise visible around the island, linked to the depth of the water, the sandy seabed and the coral reefs. The phenomenon is particularly visible from the east coast and high points along the coastline. The coral reef that partially surrounds the island protects certain areas and supports significant marine biodiversity. The archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina is part of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO for its ecological richness.
This close relationship with the sea underpins all aspects of island life: artisanal fishing, maritime transport, nautical activities and seaside tourism.
An accessible, organized region
The main urban center of San Andrés is built around the port and shopping area. Hotels, shops and services are concentrated along the northern coastline. Residential areas and quieter zones are spread out to the south and inland. The Gustavo Rojas Pinilla international airport provides regular flights to Bogotá, Medellín, Panama and other regional destinations. This accessibility partly explains the island’s constant tourist numbers.
Despite all this traffic, San Andrés has kept its organization simple: one main road circles the island, making it possible to cover the whole area in just a few hours. This configuration makes it easy to get around and provides a clear overview of the territory.
An economy largely driven by tourism
Tourism is the main economic engine of San Andrés. Hotels, restaurants, nautical activities and duty-free shops structure the local economy. The island benefits from the status of a commercial free zone, which also attracts visitors who come to shop. However, fishing and public services continue to play an important role in the local economy. The cohabitation of tourism and daily life is clearly visible, particularly in the residential areas and markets.
Between frequentation and preservation
The popularity of San Andrés raises the question of the balance between tourist numbers and the protection of natural resources. Local and national authorities have introduced measures to preserve coral reefs and regulate certain tourist flows. The archipelago’s inclusion in the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve is part of this approach.
For visitors, this translates into a destination that’s alive and kicking, but still easy to understand. The island is more than just a seaside resort: it remains an inhabited territory, with its own rhythms and constraints.
A unique island Caribbean
Highlight San Andrés is to present an island that exemplifies Caribbean diversity. A Colombian territory but with an Afro-Caribbean culture, a tourist destination but an active island space, it combines several dimensions rarely found together in such a small area. For travelers, it offers a clear framework: a compact island, an omnipresent sea and a strong cultural identity. It provides a solid entry point for understanding the Western Caribbean and its interactions between geography, history and tourism.
San Andrés is a Colombian island in the western Caribbean Sea, close to Nicaragua.
It is renowned for its seven-colored sea, coral reefs and membership of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve.
The island is accessible by air from Bogotá, Medellín, Panama and several Caribbean cities.
French Guiana reaches a milestone in 2025. With 167,036 registered tourists 142,000 in 2024, the region’s tourism dynamic is now structural. Behind this growth, the figures unveiled by the French Guiana Tourist Board and the Tourism Observatory reflect much more than a rise in visitor numbers: they point to economic consolidation, diversification of the customer base and the destination’s growing importance in its regional environment.
This development deserves a closer look. Because beyond the statistics, it reveals what Guyana is really becoming in the Caribbean and South American tourism ecosystem.
Measurable growth confirms the region's appeal
The year 2025 ended with 167,036 tourists, a significant increase over 2024. This growth is based on three complementary segments:
- – 92,229 external visitors an increase of 7.5
- – 8,307 cruise passengers
- – 66,500 endogenous tourists i.e. Guyanese who have made at least one tourist trip to the region.
This structure confirms an essential development: tourism in French Guiana no longer relies solely on international visitors. Domestic tourism is now a mainstay of the sector, contributing to economic resilience and year-round visitor numbers.
A tourism economy that generates tangible benefits
Economic benefits will reach 160.6 million euros in 2025 an increase of 7.1%. This figure reflects the direct impact of tourism on the local economy: accommodation, catering, transport, cultural activities and services. Total overnight stays amounted to 1.63 million an increase of 9.3%. This increase shows that the destination is not only attracting more visitors, but is also managing to keep them for longer. The average length of stay remained stable at 17.6 days a particularly high figure for the Caribbean.
For the local economy, this stability means spending spread over time and a better redistribution of income throughout the region.
Consolidating air connectivity
Traffic at Cayenne Félix-Éboué airport reaches 242,055 outbound passengers. This represents a 4% increase on 2024 and a 64% increase on 2021. This increase confirms the return to a high level of mobility after the years marked by health restrictions. Overall air traffic is up by 8,5%. This is a sign of a real intensification of traffic flows. This development reinforces the region’s accessibility and directly supports growth in tourism. It also confirms the airport’s strategic role as the main point of entry.
For tourism professionals, this connectivity is a major lever: it determines the region’s ability to attract new markets and retain existing visitors.
Mainly French customers, but diversifying
Data for 2025 indicate that 60.1% of external visitors come from mainland France. This is still the mainstay of Guyanese tourism, which has historically been linked to travel between French Guiana and mainland France. However, one trend has been confirmed: Caribbean customers are on the rise. The Martinique market, in particular, is experiencing significant growth, driven by an increase in leisure tourism. This dynamic opens up important regional prospects, particularly in terms of tourism cooperation and intra-Caribbean mobility.
The challenge now is to raise its profile in the Caribbean region while consolidating its traditional customer base.
Reasons for staying in French Guiana reflect the region's positioning
The dominant reasons for staying are still :
- – Professionals: 36.3
- – Affinity: 35.7
This structure distinguishes French Guiana from many other Caribbean destinations, which are mainly oriented towards beach tourism. The territory retains a strong professional and institutional dimension, linked in particular to the Guiana Space Center and administrative activities.
However, leisure tourism is on the increase, supported by rising consumer spending and greater appreciation of the region’s natural and cultural assets. This trend reflects a gradual repositioning towards a destination of discovery, complementary to other Caribbean territories.
Exceptional levels of satisfaction
Visitor satisfaction rate reaches 98,7% confirming the quality of the experience on offer. This very high level of satisfaction is a strategic indicator: it promotes word-of-mouth, feedback and the destination’s international reputation. For industry players, this satisfaction is based on several elements: the welcome, the cultural richness, the diversity of landscapes and the authenticity of the Guyanese experience. It also represents a competitive advantage in a regional context where destinations are seeking to differentiate themselves.
What these results mean for French Guiana and the Caribbean
Progress in tourism is not limited to internal improvements. It is gradually redefining the area’s place in the region.
For French Guiana, these results confirm the relevance of the strategies undertaken: developing the offer, strengthening partnerships, targeted promotion and improving customer knowledge. They also provide a solid foundation to guide future investments. On a Caribbean scale, the rise of French Guiana is helping to diversify the regional offer. It offers a complementary alternative to traditional seaside destinations, focusing on nature, culture and immersive experiences.
2025, a pivotal year for Guyanese tourism
The year 2025 marks a phase of consolidation. Indicators confirm real growth, underpinned by rising visitor numbers, increased economic spin-offs and a high level of satisfaction. In 2026, the Guiana Tourism Board intends to continue its promotional activities and its support for industry players. The objective is clear: to transform this growth into a sustainable dynamic, capable of boosting the region’s appeal over the long term.
With its now solid foundations, French Guiana is asserting itself as a destination in the process of structuring itself, whose development deserves particular attention in the years to come, both for the territory itself and for the Caribbean as a whole.
French Guiana recorded 167,035 tourists in 2025, compared with 142,000 in 2024. This increase confirms solid, sustainable growth in the region’s tourist numbers.
The economic impact of tourism in French Guiana reached 160.6 million euros in 2025, an increase of over 7%. The sector has a direct impact on accommodation, catering, transport and cultural activities.
By 2025, 60.1% of outbound visitors will be from mainland France. Caribbean customers are also on the rise, particularly from Martinique, a sign of growing regional interest in Guiana as a destination.
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, Saint John occupies a singular place. More discreet than St. Thomas, less urbanized, it was built around a simple principle: preserve your land. Today, almost 60% of the island is part of the Virgin Islands National Park, directly shaping its landscape, economy and organization.
For travelers, Saint John represents a legible destination: a compact island, accessible beaches, a structuring national park and local life concentrated around a main center, Cruz Bay. This configuration makes it possible to quickly understand the territory, without dispersion or saturation.
A large-scale protected island
Virgin Islands National Park was created in 1956 thanks to a major land donation. Since then, it has covered most of Saint John’s land territory, as well as protected marine areas. This configuration limits real estate development and maintains large areas of unspoiled nature. Tropical dry forests, hills, mangroves and coral reefs make up most of the landscape. Roads are few and far between, and inhabited areas are concentrated mainly around Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. This territorial organization gives the island an airy character, without excessive urban continuity, which reinforces the feeling of space for visitors.
The national park also offers signposted trails through old plantations, viewpoints and forested areas. For travelers interested in history and nature, these trails offer a complete overview of the territory. The island can be explored both on foot and by sea.
Accessible but unspoilt beaches
Saint John is renowned for its clear beaches bordered by reef-protected waters. Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay and Maho Bay are among the best-known sites. What they all have in common is that they are part of the national park and benefit from strict environmental protection. Access is provided, but construction remains limited. The aim is to keep visitor numbers under control and preserve marine ecosystems. This approach reinforces the image of an island focused on quality rather than tourist density.
Some of the less-frequented beaches also reveal a different facet of the coastline. They are a reminder that the island retains many open spaces, free from intensive occupation. This availability contributes to the balance between visitors and residents.
A history visible in the landscape
Before becoming an American territory in 1917, Saint John was part of the Danish West Indies. The island has preserved traces of this period, notably through the ruins of sugar plantations scattered throughout the national park. These remains are a reminder of the colonial economy based on sugar cane and forced labor. Today, they are historical landmarks accessible to visitors, often linked by footpaths. History isn’t just to be found in museums: it’s inscribed in the landscape, stone walls and ancient farm tracks.
A controlled tourism economy
Tourism is Saint John’s main economic driver. Unlike other Caribbean destinations, the island has no international airport. Access is by ferry from St. Thomas, which naturally limits visitor flows and encourages a gradual arrival of visitors. This logistical constraint contributes to the balance of the region. Stays are generally longer, encouraging more attentive discovery. The accommodation offer is based on medium-sized hotels, villas and private rentals, rather than large complexes. This organization maintains a human scale.
Simple organization for travellers
The center of Cruz Bay is home to shops, restaurants and services. Coral Bay, further east, is more residential and less busy. Travel is mainly by car, as the roads are hilly and narrow. This configuration encourages you to take it easy and explore the island gradually. To reach Saint John, you must first land in Saint-Thomas, then take a twenty-minute ferry ride. This maritime transition marks your entry into a different territory, where the sea remains omnipresent.
A coherent Caribbean destination
Highlighting Saint John means presenting an island where land protection structures all development. The predominant presence of the national park limits urbanization, controls access to beaches and preserves landforms. For travelers, the island offers a clear combination of protected nature, accessible beaches, visible historical heritage and sufficient infrastructure. Saint John doesn’t seek to multiply its attractions; it offers a stable, organized and sustainable territory turned towards the sea. This coherence gives the island a special value in the contemporary Caribbean, where land management is becoming a central issue for the future of island tourism.
Saint John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands in the eastern Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico and close to St. Thomas.
The island is famous for the Virgin Islands National Park, which protects around 60% of its territory, as well as for its beaches and coral reefs.
You’ll need to fly into St. Thomas, then take the ferry to Saint John in about twenty minutes.
Every February 19th, International Whale Day invites us to celebrate these emblematic marine mammals and reflect on their essential role in the health of the oceans. In the Caribbean, International Whale Day resonates with particular intensity: here, the turquoise waters become the scene of a natural ballet that attracts visitors from all over the world, combining wonder, environmental commitment and responsible tourism.
This region is no longer just a migratory stopover for humpback whales. It has become, for curious travelers and nature enthusiasts, a must-see destination for a unique cetacean-watching experience.
A well-established migration season, already active in 2025
The annual migration of humpback whales to the warm waters of the Caribbean continues to be a major seasonal phenomenon. Scientists and local observers confirm that the first individuals are seen as early as January, and that their presence intensifies throughout the following months. This spectacular migration, visible from the waters off Guadeloupe to the protected marine areas of the Dominican Republic, offers a prime viewing window for visitors between December and April, with peak activity often recorded around February and March – precisely when the Caribbean celebrates International Whale Day.
For travellers, these months represent the ideal time to combine vacations, the discovery of marine biodiversity and responsible tourism.
The Caribbean in the global cetacean ecosystem
The Caribbean region is home to a wide variety of cetaceans: whales, sperm whales and dolphins frequent these rich waters at different times of the year. According to the data collected, several species of mysticetes (baleen whales) and odontocetes (toothed whales and dolphins) are present, some permanently, others in transit.
This diversity enriches the observation experience and makes the Caribbean a global world crossroads for the study and conservation of marine mammals. It also offers visitors the chance to see different species on the same expedition.
A real and growing impact on tourism (2024-2025)
Although figures on whale-watching tourism in the Caribbean are still fragmentary, it is undeniable that this activity attracts a significant number of foreign visitors each season. In some of the region’s cruise ports, for example, over 375,000 passengers are expected during the 2024-2025 season, reflecting the strength of the island’s tourism sector as a whole.
If we take into account that whale watching is often integrated into these maritime experiences (excursions, nature stopovers, marine safaris), this shows the extent to which cetaceans have become a strong attraction in the Caribbean tourism offer.
In the most famous areas, such as Samaná Bay in the Dominican Republic, whale-watching activity is already recognized as one of the most important in the region. Dozens if not hundreds of individuals are identified each season, reflecting the importance of this marine area for the breeding and rearing of young whales.
Biodiversity as an attraction
What sets the Caribbean experience apart is the combination of natural spectacle and exceptional biodiversity. Unlike purely visual marine safaris, whale-watching trips here take place in a rich ecological context where different types of cetaceans co-exist: humpback whales, sperm whales and dolphin species, each with their own unique behaviors.
Passionate travelers have the opportunity not only to see these animals, but also to learn more about their life cycles, underwater songs and migration strategies – a scientific and educational dimension that simply transforms “observing” into “understanding”.
Exceptional observation hotspots
The Caribbean boasts several remarkable observation sites:
- – Samaná Bay (Dominican Republic): renowned for hosting numerous humpback whales during their breeding and calving periods.
- – The coasts of Guadeloupe particularly around the islands of Les Saintes and Marie-Galante, offer excellent conditions for watching spectacular whale jumps.
- – Silver Bank (off the coast of the Dominican Republic): a marine sanctuary where you can sometimes enjoy more immersive experiences.
- – French departments of America (Guadeloupe, Martinique) part of the Agoa sanctuary, which protects over 143,000 km² dedicated to marine mammals.
Responsible tourism: challenges and best practices
The growth of whale-watching tourism is not without its challenges. It involves a shared responsibility between tourism operators, local authorities and the travellers themselves. In many areas, ethical approach protocols have been adopted to minimize stress on the animals. These include respectful approach distances, speed limits at sea, controlled observation times, and a ban on swimming with whales without strict scientific supervision.
For travelers, choosing certified service providers committed to conservation has become a marker of quality experience. It’s also a concrete way of supporting sustainable tourism: by respecting the rules, you protect the animals while promoting responsible economic activity that benefits local communities.
An unforgettable human and ecological experience
International Whale Day is a reminder that these species are both jewels of biodiversity and vectors of connection between man and nature. For tourists visiting the Caribbean, whale watching is an encounter with an ancient animal intelligence, an immersion in a unique migratory cycle and an awareness of the importance of preserving these marine giants.
Witnessing these encounters, whether it’s a whale calf playing on the surface or a mother accompanying her calf, is rarely an indifferent experience. And for those with a passion for the Caribbean, the experience becomes a must. source of inspiration and commitment to protecting the oceans.
A call to action as conscious travelers
On International Whale Day, the Caribbean reminds us that it’s not just a postcard destination: it’s a living hub of marine biodiversity, where natural beauty meets environmental responsibility. For travelers and enthusiasts alike, International Whale Day is an invitation to enjoy authentic, informed and respectful experiences, enriching not only their stay but also their understanding of the marine world around us.
Every whale-watching excursion can become a moment of sharing, knowledge and respect, a personal contribution to the preservation of these giants of the sea, today and for future generations.
International Whale Day coincides with the peak migration season of humpback whales to the warm waters of the Caribbean. This makes the region a major breeding and whale-watching site, reinforcing its role in the preservation of marine biodiversity and the development of sustainable tourism.
The whale-watching season generally runs from December to April, with a peak between February and March. It is during this period that humpback whales calve in Caribbean waters, offering visitors ideal viewing conditions.
Yes, when governed by strict rules. Many Caribbean territories apply regulated approach protocols: minimum distance, limited number of boats, controlled speed and operator training. Choosing a certified service provider is essential to guarantee a responsible and sustainable experience.
