The Guadeloupe Islands Tourism Board (GITB) recently captivated audiences at the New York Travel & Adventure Show, one of North America’s premier travel events. The highly anticipated event, which draws over 25,000 attendees annually, provided the perfect stage for the Guadeloupe Islands to showcase their breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage as a premier French Caribbean destination.
At the heart of the delegation’s presence was an immersive 40-square-meter booth that offered visitors an authentic taste of Guadeloupe. A key highlight was the Memorial ACTe, a world-renowned cultural and historical center praised by Reverend Jesse Jackson as “the most phenomenal museum of its kind in the world.” Attendees learned about the museum’s profound exploration of the transatlantic slave trade and the African and Caribbean diaspora, underscoring Guadeloupe’s commitment to preserving and sharing its history.
- Advertisement -
One of the event’s most celebrated announcements was the renaming of Guadeloupe’s main airport to Guadeloupe International Maryse Condé Airport in honor of the internationally acclaimed novelist. “Condé’s remarkable storytelling has brought the richness of Guadeloupean culture to the global stage,” said Alain Bièvre, Chairman of the airport’s Board. “It was deeply meaningful to share this milestone with attendees, particularly in New York, where Condé once taught at Columbia University.”
Another standout moment came with live performances honoring Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, the legendary Guadeloupean violinist, composer, and fencer. A string quartet enchanted audiences with two sessions, offering a preview of the upcoming Festival International de Musique Saint-Georges, scheduled for November 2025 in Guadeloupe.
Visitors were also treated to a sensory journey through Guadeloupe’s culinary heritage, sampling local delicacies such as artisanal fruit jellies and traditional coconut confections. Travel experts from partners like La Clef des Îles and CaraSouls were on hand to assist attendees in planning their dream trips to the islands, highlighting curated vacation packages and personalized travel services.
“The U.S. market, particularly the East Coast, remains a strategic focus for the Guadeloupe Islands,” said Rodrigue Solitude, Acting General Director of the GITB. “We continue to see growing interest from American travelers, who are drawn to our destination’s authentic culture, natural beauty, and vibrant spirit.”
The Guadeloupe Islands’ participation at the New York Travel & Adventure Show was a resounding success, leaving attendees inspired by the islands’ turquoise waters, lush rainforests, and unique blend of French and Creole influences. For those who visited, the event marked the beginning of their journey to discover the unparalleled charm of Guadeloupe.
See photos of the Caribbean countries that represented on our Gallery page.
