HURRICANE DEAN AFTERMATH--UPDATE

The tourism industry of Martinique is bouncing back quickly just one month after Hurricane Dean. The big storm was a Category 2 hurricane with the eye remaining over the waters of the Caribbean as it passed south of Martinique and north of St. Lucia on August 17. Flooding and sustained winds of 75MPH, with gusts up to 95MPH, punished Martinique for hours, but the island avoided a direct hit.

By noon of the following day, August 18, Martinique Aimee Cesaire International Airport was operational and reopened. Air traffic is now completely normal with the full schedule of arriving and departing flights restored. Hotels emerged from the storm intact, sustaining some cosmetic damage—broken windows, downed fences, toppled trees—but most repairs are complete. Martinique’s hotels are open for business with full services and hospitality to welcome visitors.

Public transportation is totally up and running; all roads are cleared. The mobile communications network has been reestablished as well.

Some tourist attractions are still closed for repairs. The Gardens of Balata will not reopen until the end of the year. Excursions into the tropical rain forest are temporarily suspended. Habitation Latouche, Habitation Clement, the Museum of the Pagerie and Plantation Leyritz are currently shut to the public but expect to reopen soon.

Although the quality of the beautiful Caribbean waters surrounding Martinique was not harmed by Hurricane Dean, some beaches have lost quite a bit of sand and require further cleaning, especially on the south side of the island. Access may be restricted. Visitors are encouraged to check ahead for the most current information.

For accurate updates and complete details regarding Hurricane Dean recovery and all tourism information, please contact the Martinique Promotion Bureau/CMT USA at
info@martinique.org