Thierry Gargar, Director of the Tourism Division of the Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Committee

Why choose Guadeloupe?

Thierry Gargar - It's often forgotten, but Guadeloupe is an archipelago made up of five islands, each with its own identity: green tourism on Basse-Terre, beaches on Grande-Terre, authenticity on Marie-Galante, charm on Les Saintes and discovery on La Désirade. Over the last few years, hotels on all the islands have undergone major renovations, enabling them to cater for a growing business tourism clientele. Many hotels now have specially adapted meeting rooms, services designed specifically for conference delegates and contemporary wellness areas.

How is the destination doing?

T. G. - The 2008 season was a good one. We saw an increase of almost 2 % in visitor numbers, while the other Caribbean islands suffered a decline. 2009 was shaping up to be just as good before the events of the winter. We ended up with a decline of 15 %, but there's no need to catastrophise. The situation affects the whole region and is also the result of the economic crisis. That's why we launched a major communications campaign in mainland France this autumn, with posters, TV adverts and the Internet. This summer, we also invited nearly 150 travel agents.

What about incentives?

T. G. - This is a very recent market in Guadeloupe. Our infrastructures have evolved a great deal. Not just hotels, but tourist sites, theme centres, sports centres and so on. For their part, the incoming agencies have created a real quality offering. We mustn't forget that most of these trips focus on the discovery aspect.

What initiatives could get the ball rolling again?

T. G. - Our main concern remains the lack of flights from Roissy-CDG. All the flights leave from Orly, which means a very long journey time for customers coming from Northern Europe. We are therefore currently in discussions with the airlines serving us, including Air France, about opening new routes.

When is the best time to come to Guadeloupe?

T. G. - The high season generally lasts from December to the end of April. For incentives, we recommend November or May, as the climate is still good and accommodation is more affordable.

Is green tourism also a growth vector for this type of travel?

T. G. - Yes, tourism in Guadeloupe is booming. Travellers who discover Guadeloupe are surprised by its environmental heritage. We have the first national park in overseas France. There are many hiking trails. Infrastructures promoting sustainable tourism are multiplying, particularly around the Côte Sous-le-vent. Today, people are committed to protecting the environment. This is also true for businesses. For us, it's an asset and an added value in terms of image.