Why Guadeloupe Attracts 20% More Visitors Than Martinique—Despite Being Sister Islands

Both French Caribbean islands show similar tourism figures, but Guadeloupe maintains roughly a 20% lead over neighboring Martinique. Structural and situational differences favor the Butterfly Island. From social tensions to living costs and geography, several factors explain these differing perceptions.

Recent statistics reveal a narrowing gap. In 2024, Martinique attracted about one million visitors, while Guadeloupe welcomed 1.2 million. Both destinations fluctuate year to year, with close performance levels. Martinique’s 2024-2025 high season brought nearly 989,000 travelers between December and April—slightly down from 2023 but better than initial fears following autumn’s social unrest.

Guadeloupe is progressing despite 2024’s difficulties, with hotel occupancy at 68% during peak season. Overnight stays stabilize around 1.3 million for each island. Yet this parity masks different dynamics. Martinique had grown 7% in 2024 compared to 2023, while Guadeloupe declined slightly by 3%. In the second quarter of 2025, the trend reversed with a marked decline in Martinique and hotel attendance dropping 12.5% in Guadeloupe.

Geography Changes Everything

Guadeloupe holds a major geographic advantage: its archipelago configuration. Six inhabited islands make up the territory, from Basse-Terre to Grande-Terre, including Marie-Galante, La Désirade, and Les Saintes. This diversity allows visitors to multiply experiences during a single stay. Grande-Terre captivates with its shallow lagoons and white sand, while Basse-Terre offers lush forests and La Soufrière volcano.

Martinique, more compact, provides a more uniform experience despite its varied landscapes. This difference translates into both destinations’ commercial pitch. The Guadeloupe archipelago plays the “multiple journey” card, allowing tourists to explore distinct worlds without leaving French territory. A marketing advantage that particularly appeals to travelers seeking longer stays.

Cost of Living, Social Crises, and Sargassum

Displayed costs vary noticeably between the two islands. Martinique shows food prices 40% higher than mainland France, and remains generally more expensive than Guadeloupe. This difference affects dining, accommodation, and basic goods. Families and budget-conscious travelers therefore favor the Guadeloupe archipelago.

This situation stems from structural factors inherited from the colonial system: dependence on imports representing 80% of consumed food, historical commercial monopolies, and old taxes like the octroi de mer (dock duty). The social movement against high living costs that shook Martinique in 2024 reveals the extent of this problem. These demonstrations, which began in September and worsened in October with urban violence, left deep marks.

Autumn 2024’s tensions marked a turning point for Martinique tourism. Road blockades and temporary closure of Aimé-Césaire Airport thrust the island into international headlines. Violence images, widely shared on social media, eroded potential travelers’ confidence.

The impact measured in bookings: in December 2024, Martinique recorded a 37.7% drop in travel sales compared to December 2023—the steepest decline among all overseas territories. Guadeloupe also experienced a decline, though less pronounced. These figures testify to a confidence crisis that industry professionals have been trying to repair since. Martinique’s economy continues suffering from these events in the second quarter of 2025, with contracting activity.

Sargassum seaweed poses a common challenge to both territories since 2011

Sargassum seaweed poses a common challenge to both territories since 2011. These brown masses invade beaches between April and September, releasing a foul odor as they decompose and creating health risks. Communities invest heavily in daily coastal cleanup, a costly process straining local budgets.

The situation varies by year and ocean currents. In 2025, strandings began earlier than expected, starting in March, with record volumes. Each island’s Atlantic coast bears the brunt of arrivals, while Caribbean-facing areas generally remain spared. Tourism professionals must cope with this unpredictable reality, which can transform a paradise beach into an unusable zone from one week to the next.

Tourism Infrastructure

Hotel infrastructure develops differently on both islands. Guadeloupe currently focuses on moving upmarket, with four-star hotel and resort projects targeting business clientele. This strategy aims to attract affluent international guests, less sensitive to rising airfare costs.

Both islands benefit from frequent air connections, with flights every two to three hours between them, operated by Air Caraïbes, Air Antilles, and Air France.

Both destinations share similar challenges: high transportation costs from Europe, the need to diversify clientele beyond mainland French tourists, sargassum management, and sustainable tourism development.

The future of both islands will depend on their ability to solve these structural problems while showcasing their respective strengths. Martinique, nicknamed the Island of Flowers with over 1,700 floral species, possesses a strong Creole identity. Guadeloupe positions itself as a global biodiversity hotspot. Professionals are banking on green tourism, cultural events, and strengthened communication to maintain these destinations’ appeal against increasingly aggressive Caribbean competition.

Despite their respective challenges, these two Caribbean islands remain exceptional destinations! Their magnificent beaches, rich culture, and preserved nature make them prime tropical getaways. Whether you choose Guadeloupe’s diversity or Martinique’s authenticity, you’ll find warm hospitality and breathtaking landscapes.