Omar Perez
From new and revitalized transportation infrastructure projects to increasing the number of guest rooms by approximately half by the end of 2025 and introducing new tourist facilities, Dominica is preparing to welcome more tourists.
The numbers are already rising. According to Statista, the island received more than 339,000 tourists in 2023, an increase of 37% over the previous year. Dominica aims to receive 500,000 tourists per year by 2030 and 1 million cruise tourists.
According to the Dominican Ministry of Tourism, Dominica ended the 2023-24 cruise season with 306,601 cruise tourists, an 11% increase from the previous season and a 62% increase from the pre-pandemic 2019-20 season. This quarter, Dominica is expected to host 230 flights and receive 365,311 passengers, an increase of 8.5% and 19% respectively from the previous quarter.
Cruise port and airport planning
To accommodate increased arrivals at Roseau Cruise Port, the island’s main cruise port, the government is close to finalizing a deal to build a new, larger cruise ship facility capable of accommodating larger ships. On the smaller yacht side, the island is building Cabrits Marina in the town of Portsmouth, a $75 million facility that will accommodate vessels up to 150 feet long and include a Ocean Village with shopping and dining facilities. According to Tourism Analytics, the total number of yacht tourists in the first half of this year was 8,532.
Airfreight from the U.S. has been a limiting factor to flying to the Dominican Republic, which is currently the only nonstop route American Airlines has from Miami. In an effort to attract more airlines, the island completed a 6,000-foot extension and slotting of the runway at Douglas-Charles Airport a few weeks ago, a move that, in addition to reducing rainy weather-related cancellations and improving safety, will provide greater security for larger planes opened the island. smooth runway
Dominican officials are currently in talks with unspecified airlines to begin new airlifts from the New York metropolitan area.
“It seems positive for us to move beyond American Airlines and partner with some of the other major airlines,” said Marva Williams, Discovery Dominica’s newly appointed CEO. “Pilots now have access to more than 6,000 feet of runway,” Williams said. “In the whole world of airport pilots, that’s really acceptable. That’s when people actually listen to you.”
Dominica’s new international airport, currently under construction and expected to open in 2026, will enhance connectivity and accept long-haul commercial flights.
make room
Dominica expects to add approximately 500 rooms to its existing 1,000 rooms. New resorts opening this year and next include Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort and Spa; Ocean’s Edge Hotel; Aniki Resort and Spa, Autograph Collection; and Serenity Beach, a member of Curio Collection by Hilton Resort (Tranquility Beach Resort).
Arguably one of the most anticipated projects in Dominica is the completion of a new cable car system that will take passengers 4.1 miles from the Roseau Valley, where the cruise ship port is located, to the Boiling Lake, one of the largest hot springs in the world.
The cable car project is the longest in the world and is expected to attract 20,000 tourists a year when completed next year.
“People coming by cruise ship can’t walk six hours to Boiling Lake,” Williams said. “So why not help them immerse themselves in all the natural beauty in about 20 minutes? We are really looking forward to this cable car project. It will be a unique experience for Dominica.”
Another project is an upgrade to the Champaign Beach facilities, which will include local artisans, restaurants and space for outdoor recreation and entertainment. The area currently has some basic facilities such as changing rooms and lounges as well as dive shops and bars.
Not all projects involve concrete. True to its nickname of the “Caribbean Natural Island,” Dominica will establish the world’s first sperm whale sanctuary next year in its western waters, covering an area of about 350 square miles. Around 200 sperm whales are believed to be resident in the area year-round.
