AGP Executive Report

Airline Disruptions: Eleven airlines have collapsed or entered administration in 2026, forcing cancelled holidays for travelers; the latest is European Cargo (about 180 job losses), with carriers warning that soaring jet-fuel costs—projected up sharply in 2026—will push ticket prices higher. Caribbean–Paris Connections: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched an interline agreement from June 1, letting passengers book a single ticket to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly with checked baggage through—making it easier to reach St. Barthélemy via the region. Luxury Travel & Stays: Atout France added six new hotels to its 2026 “Palace” collection, bringing the total to 33, including new Paris entries (Bvlgari, Cheval Blanc, Fouquet’s). Yachting in St. Barths: SeaDream Yacht Club announced fall 2028 Caribbean voyages and New Year 2029 sailings, with multiple overnight stays in Gustavia and New Year’s Eve in the harbor. Resortwear Spotlight: Marina St Barth marked its 20th anniversary with a new Southampton boutique celebration, bringing its St. Barth-inspired resort wear to the Hamptons.

Travel Access: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline agreement for one-ticket journeys from multiple Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with baggage checked through—making it easier to connect via the French gateway, including for travelers coming from Saint Barthélemy. Luxury Stays (France): Atout France unveiled the 2026 “Palace” hotels list, adding six new properties and bringing the total to 33—another signal of continued high-end demand that often lifts travel planning across the French Caribbean. Yachting & Island Time: SeaDream Yacht Club announced fall 2028 and New Year 2029 Caribbean sailings, with 13 voyages that put Gustavia/St. Barths front and center through multiple overnights and late departures, plus New Year’s Eve in Gustavia harbor. Fashion & Tourism Culture: Marina St Barth marked its 20th anniversary with a Southampton boutique celebration, bringing the brand’s resort-wear style—rooted in St. Barthélemy—into the Hamptons spotlight. Regional Food Security: The Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Alliance held its 2026 conference in Sint Maarten, renewing cooperation efforts that support sustainable agriculture and fisheries across the islands.

Caribbean–France Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched an interline agreement for a single-ticket journey from multiple Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with checked baggage through to the final destination—making it easier to route via Paris for travelers including those coming from Saint Barthélemy. Luxury Hotel Spotlight: Atout France unveiled the 2026 “Palace” hotels list, adding six new properties to bring the total to 33—another signal of continued high-end demand for French hospitality. Yachting to St. Barths: SeaDream Yacht Club announced Fall 2028 and New Year 2029 Caribbean sailings, with Gustavia featuring prominently via multiple overnight stays and extended late-night departures, plus New Year’s Eve in Gustavia harbour. More St. Barths in the Mix: Emerald Cruises is rolling out an 8-day “Culinary Collection” sailing (Dec 13–20, 2026) aboard Emerald Sakara, with chef Rachel Hargrove hosting food-focused events on an itinerary that includes Saint Barthélemy. Local Tourism Fashion Buzz: Marina St Barth marked its 20th anniversary with a new Southampton boutique celebration, bringing its resort-wear style—rooted in Saint Barthélemy—to the Hamptons. Regional Food Security: DC ALFA held its 2026 conference in Sint Maarten, renewing a MoU among six Dutch Caribbean islands to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and sustainable development.

Caribbean–France Connections: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched an interline agreement from June 1, letting travelers book one ticket to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly with checked baggage through to the end of the trip—making it easier to route via the region, including Saint Barthélemy. Yachting & St Barts Overnight Time: SeaDream Yacht Club announced fall 2028 Caribbean voyages and New Year’s 2029 sailings (Nov 2028–Jan 2029), with multiple overnight stays in Gustavia, extended late-night departures, and New Year’s Eve in the harbor. Luxury Hospitality Spotlight: Atout France revealed the 2026 “Palace” hotels list, adding six new properties and bringing the total to 33—good news for travelers planning high-end stays in France. Resort Wear in the Hamptons: Marina St Barth celebrated its 20th anniversary with a new Southampton boutique opening, bringing its Saint Barthélemy-inspired resort wear to the Hamptons. Food-Led Cruise Experience: Emerald Cruises announced a Dec 13–20, 2026 Caribbean sailing aboard Emerald Sakara with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove, featuring destination-inspired dining and a route that includes Saint Barthélemy. Regional Food Security: The DC ALFA alliance held its 2026 conference in Sint Maarten (May 25–29), renewing a MoU among six Dutch Caribbean islands to strengthen agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and food security.

Air Access: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline agreement that lets travelers book a single ticket to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with checked baggage through to the final destination—making it easier to route via the region, including Saint Barthélemy. Yachting & Island Time: SeaDream Yacht Club announced new Fall 2028 Caribbean voyages and New Year 2029 sailings (Nov 2028–Jan 2029), with 13 routes built around overnight stays and smaller ports—Gustavia features prominently with multiple overnights and extended late-night departures. Luxury Hotel Pipeline: France’s tourism agency Atout France unveiled the 2026 “Palace” hotels list, adding six new properties to bring the total to 33—good news for travelers planning high-end stays across Paris and beyond. Culinary Cruise: Emerald Cruises is partnering with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove for an 8-day Caribbean “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara (Dec 13–20, 2026), with stops including Saint Barthélemy plus Martinique, Guadeloupe and Antigua. Fashion Retail Milestone: Marina St Barth celebrated its 20th anniversary with a new Southampton boutique opening, bringing its Saint Barthélemy-inspired resort wear to the Hamptons.

Yachting & St Barts: SeaDream Yacht Club has unveiled its Fall 2028 Caribbean season and New Year’s 2029 voyages (Nov 2028–Jan 2029) with 13 itineraries across the Virgin Islands, St. Barths (Gustavia gets multiple overnight stays and late-night departures), Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and more—built around overnight time in port and smaller harbors. Luxury Retail in St Barts Spirit: Marina St Barth marked its 20th anniversary with a Southampton boutique celebration over Memorial Day weekend, bringing its Saint Barthélemy resort-wear vibe to the Hamptons (54 Jobs Lane). Caribbean-to-Paris Travel Made Easier: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched an interline agreement for single-ticket connections from Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with checked baggage through to the final destination—highlighting routes that include Saint Barthélemy. Culinary Tourism at Sea: Emerald Cruises is partnering with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove for an 8-day “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara (Dec 13–20, 2026), featuring chef-led dining and events on a Leeward Islands itinerary that includes Saint Barthélemy. High-End France Hotel News: France announced new 2026 “Palaces de France” designations, adding six hotels to the top-tier list (total now 33), including major Paris addresses.

Yachting & Island Time: SeaDream Yacht Club has unveiled its Fall 2028 Caribbean season and New Year’s 2029 voyages (SeaDream I & II), with 13 routes running from November 2028 through January 2029 and calling at the Virgin Islands, St. Barths (Gustavia), Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and more. The focus is on overnight stays, late-night departures, and smaller harbors that larger ships can’t reach—plus multiple two-day port stays, including two overnights in St. Barths for the New Year sailing and New Year’s Eve in Gustavia for waterfront celebrations and fireworks. Shopping & Resort Style: Marina St Barth marked its 20th anniversary with a Memorial Day weekend celebration for its new Southampton boutique, bringing the brand’s Saint Barthélemy-inspired resort wear, accessories and “island elegance” to the Hamptons. Air Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched an interline agreement from June 1, letting travelers book one ticket to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly with baggage checked through—opening easier routes for travelers from places including Saint Barthélemy. Culinary at Sea: Emerald Cruises announced a Dec 13–20, 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing on Emerald Sakara with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove, featuring destination-inspired dining and events on an itinerary that includes Saint Barthélemy, Martinique, Guadeloupe and Antigua. Getting There (Practical Tips): A travel guide highlights that reaching St. Barths often means flying via St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana, then a short hop to Gustaf III—plus the runway’s dramatic approach—and notes a ferry option as an alternative when seas allow.

Yacht & Sailings: SeaDream Yacht Club just unveiled a winter 2028 to New Year 2029 Caribbean season, with 13 voyages built around overnight stays and smaller ports—Gustavia is a standout, with multiple overnights and extended late-night departures, plus New Year’s Eve in Gustavia harbour for waterfront celebrations and fireworks. Air Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched an interline single-ticket deal connecting Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly from June 1, letting travelers book one itinerary with checked baggage through—making it easier to reach St Barthélemy and other regional destinations via a smoother Paris gateway. Luxury Hotels (France): France announced six new 2026 “Palace” hotels under the Palaces de France list, bringing the total to 33—adding more top-tier options for travelers planning France add-ons to their Caribbean trips. Food on the Water: Emerald Cruises announced a December 13–20, 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing on Emerald Sakara with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove, featuring destination-inspired dining and events on an itinerary that includes Saint Barthélemy. Local Travel Tips: A fresh guide highlights the real-world St Barts arrival and getting-around basics—flying in via St. Maarten then a short hop to Gustaf III, or taking the ferry when seas allow, plus the practical note that renting a car is usually the easiest way to explore.

Caribbean-to-Paris travel made easier: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline agreement for a single booking to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with baggage checked through—starting June 1—aimed at simplifying routes that used to require multiple tickets, including connections for travelers from Saint Barthélemy. Luxury hotel buzz for France: Atout France has announced six new 2026 “Palaces de France” hotels, bringing the total to 33, reinforcing the high-end French hospitality tier that many St Barts visitors use for pre- or post-island stays. St Barts in the spotlight on the water: SeaDream Yacht Club revealed its winter 2028–New Year 2029 Caribbean season, with multiple overnight stays in Gustavia and New Year’s Eve in the harbor, plus itineraries built around smaller ports and extra time ashore. Culinary cruise with a St Barts stop: Emerald Cruises is partnering with chef Rachel Hargrove for an Emerald Sakara sailing Dec 13–20, 2026, featuring a Caribbean itinerary that includes Saint Barthélemy alongside Martinique, Guadeloupe and Antigua. First-timer practical guide: A travel explainer shares what surprises visitors about getting to St Barts (via St. Maarten’s Gustaf III connection or ferry) and how getting around typically means renting a car.

Caribbean–Paris Air Travel: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline agreement so travelers can book one ticket to connect multiple Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, with baggage checked through and fewer separate bookings—starting June 1, and opening smoother routes for travelers from Saint Barthélemy and other nearby islands. Luxury Hotel Watch: France has named six new “Palaces de France” hotels for 2026, bringing the total to 33—adding Bulgari Hotel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris, Fouquet’s Paris, plus Four Seasons Resort Megeve, Hotel Martinez Cannes, and Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. St Barts First-Timer Tips: A new guide shares what visitors often miss, from the island’s short, steep runway approach at Gustaf III (and the option of a ferry from St. Maarten) to practical getting-around realities like renting a car. On-Island Dining at Sea: Emerald Cruises is partnering with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove for a December 13–20, 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing on Emerald Sakara, with stops including Saint Barthélemy. Art Basel Paris (for culture travelers): Art Basel Paris has announced 206 exhibitors from 41 countries/territories for October 23–25 (previews Oct 21–22), with a new director at the helm and a strong French presence. Celebrity Buzz: Camila Cabello and Henry Junior Chalhoub reportedly ended their relationship after more than a year, with past holiday trips including Saint Barthélemy.

Luxury Hotels in France: Atout France has announced six new “Palaces de France” for 2026, bringing the total to 33—adding Bulgari Hotel Paris, Cheval Blanc Paris, Fouquet’s Paris, plus Four Seasons Resort Megeve, Hotel Martinez Cannes, and Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa. Caribbean-to-Paris Made Easier: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched an interline agreement from June 1, letting travelers book one ticket to connect multiple Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly with checked baggage through to the final destination—an especially handy boost for routes including Saint Barthélemy. St Barts on the Itinerary: Emerald Cruises’ Emerald Sakara will host celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove for an 8-day “Culinary Collection” sailing Dec 13–20, 2026, with stops including Saint Barthélemy, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Antigua. First-Timer Practical Tips for St Barts: A travel guide highlights the island’s arrival reality—short, steep runway landings at Gustaf III (or a ferry option from St. Maarten when seas allow)—and notes that getting around often means renting a car. Art & Culture in Paris: Art Basel Paris revealed 206 galleries from 41 countries/territories for Oct 23–25 (previews Oct 21–22), with a strong French presence and a first edition under new director Karim Crippa.

Air Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have agreed on an interline deal that lets travelers book one ticket to connect multiple Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, starting June 1. The big win: fewer separate bookings and through-checked baggage for trips that previously meant juggling connections—especially for routes feeding Paris from islands including Saint Barthélemy. Luxury Sailing & Dining: Emerald Cruises is bringing celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove to the Caribbean with an 8-day “Culinary Collection” aboard Emerald Sakara (Dec 13–20, 2026), with stops that include Saint Barthélemy, plus Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Antigua. First-Time St Barts Tips: A travel guide for first visitors highlights the real-world logistics: getting in via St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana and a short hop to Gustaf III, the dramatic short runway approach, and the practical reality that getting around often means renting a car.

Air Connectivity: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have agreed to sell a single interline ticket linking multiple Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly, starting June 1. The big win for travelers: one booking, through-checked baggage, and fewer separate tickets when stitching together regional hops and the long-haul. Island Access: A new travel guide on visiting St. Barts for the first time highlights the “no one tells you” reality—getting in often means flying from St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana to Gustaf III in a short hop, with the runway experience itself part of the adventure; a ferry is an alternative but can be canceled in rough seas. Luxury on the Water: Emerald Cruises is launching a December 13–20, 2026 “Culinary Collection” sailing aboard Emerald Sakara with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove, featuring Caribbean-focused dining and events, with Saint Barthélemy included on the Leeward Islands itinerary. Culture & Calendar: Art Basel Paris announced 206 participating galleries across 41 countries/territories for its October 23–25 run (Oct 21–22 previews), returning to the Grand Palais under new director Karim Crippa.

Luxury Sailing: Emerald Cruises is launching a new multi-year partnership with celebrity chef and former Below Deck star Rachel Hargrove, with an 8-day “Culinary Collection” voyage aboard Emerald Sakara from December 13–20, 2026, including a stop in Saint Barthélemy plus Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Antigua. First-Time Visitor Guide: A practical look at what surprises travelers on their first trip to St. Barts—especially the journey via St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana Airport and the short, sloped runway at Gustaf III (or a ferry option if seas allow). Art & Culture: Art Basel Paris has announced 206 exhibitors from 41 countries/territories for October 23–25 (previews Oct 21–22), returning to the Grand Palais under new director Karim Crippa, with major French and international galleries listed.

Luxury Sailing: Emerald Cruises is launching a new multi-year partnership with celebrity chef and former Below Deck star Rachel Hargrove, with an 8-day “Culinary Collection” voyage aboard Emerald Sakara from December 13–20, 2026. The itinerary will include Saint Barthélemy plus Martinique, Guadeloupe and Antigua, with chef-led dining, destination-inspired meals and onboard events. First-Time St Barts Tips: A travel guide for newcomers highlights the island’s “no one tells you” realities: getting there usually means flying via St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana Airport to Gustaf III (or taking a ferry), and once on island, getting around often comes down to renting a car due to limited public transport and ride-hailing options.

Luxury Sailing & Dining: Emerald Cruises is launching a new multi-year partnership with celebrity chef Rachel Hargrove, with an 8-day “Culinary Collection” voyage aboard Emerald Sakara from Dec 13–20, 2026, featuring chef-led events and destination-inspired dining across the Leeward Islands including Saint Barthélemy. First-Time Visitor Guide: A practical “what no one tells you” rundown for first trips to St. Barts highlights the island’s travel reality—flying in via St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana then a short hop to Gustaf III, the dramatic short runway approach, and the common need to rent a car since there’s no Uber and limited public transport. Art & Culture Calendar: Art Basel Paris has announced its 2026 exhibitor lineup (206 galleries across 41 countries/territories) returning to the Grand Palais Oct 23–25, with preview days Oct 21–22 and a new director, Karim Crippa.