French Guiana as the gateway to Europe in South America

What is the objective of your presence at Seatrade Cruise Global 2025?

It's very important for us to participate in this event, especially because we can work on developing the cruise segment, collaborating directly with shipping companies. In French Guiana, we have two notable destinations we want to promote: the first is Îles du Salut, an archipelago located 40 kilometers off the coast, and the second is the main port of Cayenne. These are places where visitors can enjoy an experience that combines nature, culture, and gastronomy.

What unique features does French Guiana offer as a tourist destination?

In addition to our islands and natural landscapes, we have a unique attraction: the European Space Center, where Ariane program launches are carried out. This allows us to offer a very interesting combination of culture, nature, and science. Our country is part of the French Amazon, a region with natural wealth comparable to the Brazilian Amazon, but with its own cultural mix. In French Guiana, indigenous peoples, such as the Amerindians, coexist alongside communities from different parts of the world. This creates a diversity that we want to share with visitors.

How has interest in tourism evolved in your destination, especially since the pandemic?

After the COVID-19 crisis, nature tourism has taken on a special value. Today, more than ever, people are looking for authentic destinations where they can reconnect with their surroundings and experience local cultures. French Guiana offers exactly that. We have three pillars that define our tourism offering: nature, culture, and science.

How important is the US market, and Florida in particular, to you?

The US market, and Florida in particular, is very interesting to us. Today, we welcome visitors from countries as diverse as Poland, Australia, England, and Asia. That's why we're convinced that many travelers from the United States will also find the kind of experiences they're looking for in French Guiana. Our focus on responsible tourism, combined with the added value of the space center, allows us to reach a very diverse audience.

What kind of actions do you plan to continue promoting the destination this year?

We will participate in more international trade fairs and are also focused on inviting industry professionals to visit French Guiana. We always remember that we are a French region in South America, which makes us a gateway to Europe in this part of the world. When you enter our country with a passport, you are entering both France and Europe.

What is the current air connectivity to French Guiana?

We have flights with Air France, which connects Cayenne with Brazilian cities such as Fortaleza and Belém. Another French airline, Air Caraïbes, also operates flights, and Suriname Airways recently reopened the route between Paramaribo, Cayenne, and Belém. Additionally, there is a new connection from Georgetown, Guyana, to Cayenne, enabling connections with Air Canada via Toronto. We hope to soon open a new airline to Macapá, Brazil, which would further strengthen regional connectivity.

Which countries do most of your visitors currently come from?

Mainly from France and other European countries. Many come for work, especially related to the Space Center, and then return for tourism. In the case of cruise ships, we also receive international visitors, including Americans and Canadians.

What final message would you like to share with tourism professionals and potential travelers?

French Guiana is a place where you can combine work and vacation. Many people come for professional reasons—especially for the Space Center—and then decide to stay a few more days to explore. With our biodiversity, cultural richness, and strategic role as a European territory in South America, we have everything to become a must-see destination for the modern traveler.