Grande-Terre

Grande-Terre has absorbed the economic functions that its volcanic twin Basse-Terre cannot support. This flat, limestone eastern wing of Guadeloupe hosts Pointe-à-Pitre, the territory's largest city and economic capital, despite the administrative capital remaining in Basse-Terre across the narrow strait. The geography explains the divergence: while Basse-Terre's volcanic slopes limit development, Grande-Terre's low-lying terrain accommodates the airport, cruise terminal, and tourist beaches that drive the modern economy.

Tourism represents Guadeloupe's primary private-sector activity, and Grande-Terre captures most of it. The 2025 season showed mixed results, with 1.2 million tourists overall representing 6% growth from 2022, though the first quarter slowed amid cautious French traveler behavior. Hotel occupancy reached 74.6%, with 60% of visitors arriving from mainland France. The Mémorial ACTe in Pointe-à-Pitre, documenting the history of slavery, has become a significant cultural attraction, while Carnival festivities stimulate seasonal economic activity.

Yet dependency characterizes both islands. Public administration remains the largest single employer, with the economy reliant on mainland France for substantial subsidies and most imports. This creates a classic transfer economy where consumption exceeds local production capacity. Grande-Terre functions as the visible, accessible face of Guadeloupe, capturing cruise ships and international flights at Pointe-à-Pitre-Maryse-Condé airport, while Basse-Terre retains the governmental apparatus. The archipelago operates as a single economic unit with specialized geographic functions, each island contributing what its terrain permits.