More great news from Air Caraïbes the regional airline of the French Caribbean. Not only has the airline managed to defy a trend; losses suffered by other regional and international carriers, but this summer Air Caraïbes has successfully operated charter flights bringing hundreds of French holidaymakers to St Lucia. The airline has been recognised as one that can accommodate travellers at the spur of the moment – whether their journey was planned or not – and particularly in St Lucia.
Flights to George F L Charles Airport and hotels in the north accommodated well over 900 passengers and flights to Hewanorra International Airport and Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa took this figure well over the thousand mark. What makes this achievement more outstanding is that some of the passengers were headed for other destinations, but due to the live radio programmes with RCI in Martinique promoting Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa – with their own catchy jingle on the French waves – the potential French traveler became inquisitive.
The Travel Agents in Martinique and Guadeloupe consistently promoted St. Lucia and provided very attractive packages to the island. Martiniqcans were very curious which ultimately resulted in their vacations being re-directed to St Lucia.
Thanks to all staff involved – Air Caraïbes, Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa, resorts in St Lucia’s north and south, The Travel Boutique Inc and other local operators – Air Caraibes rose to the challenge in making every charter bounded north or south a success and exposed St. Lucia with flying colours!
The Travel Boutique Inc, a full service Travel Agency & Destination Management Company has handled the French market in St Lucia for the past five years and has provided exclusive sales and marketing for Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa for the last four years. The Travel Boutique Inc is equally responsible for the recent increased flow of French tourists to St Lucia, with other hotels in the north of the island benefitting from its exclusive representation.
Cleopatra ‘Judy’ Mason, Managing Director of The Travel Boutique Inc and Air Caraïbes’ local Manager commends the ground operation at GFL Charles and Hewanorra Airports. The presence of a uniformed Air Caraïbes representative, French and English announcements and cultured assistance, comforted passengers and will ultimately encourage passengers’ returns.
As a destination, St. Lucia promotes its unspoilt beauty, its people’s friendliness and charm and with the economic gains from the US dollar fluctuating, opens up to clients from mainland France – St Lucia is becoming the hot ticket for French travellers. It’s the total Air Caraïbes experience that makes the airline stand out from the crowd.
They operate an innovative customer service package that begins before passengers set foot on their ATR’s. Air Caraïbes’ Director of Ground Operations Mr. Richard De Gryse plans to make St Lucia the third biggest passenger provider after Martinique and Guadeloupe from Paris, and under Ms Mason’s direction his aim is quickly becoming a reality.
During the flight passengers are treated to impeccable hospitality, individual video screens, adjustable head rests, leather seats, French and English speaking staff and delicious French-Creole cuisine.
