HotelChatter

We'd heard reports of hotels on both islands closing due to supply shortages and tourists ducking out of room reservations due to concern for their personal safety, but the Martinique Tourism Authority issued a statement today assuring us that its case is different than that of its sister island:

The reasons behind the strikes in Martinique and Guadeloupe are similar, but the situation in Martinique stands in stark contrast to that in our sister island. We have had no violence, very few arrests and absolutely no threats toward visitors [...] For stayover visitors vacationing in the outlying resort areas away from the city, there has been little or no impact. Our airport, all of our hotels and many attractions have remained open during the entire strike period, and we are accommodating our guests in the best manner possible.

Obviously, both islands are hurting for tourists — but nobody can say things are lookin' nearly as calm over on Guadeloupe. Our brother site Jaunted reports that things are more like a war zone over there, with tourists being advised to stay in their hotel rooms (though there have been no reports of any violence against foreigners) while rioters are "looting buildings and burning cars," and at least one protester has been shot and killed by police.

Got any dirt on hotel closings or what the situation is like out there? Drop us a line.

Photo: [guillaumeo]