Find Tourism and Travel partners in Dominica

Overview

The tourist and travel industry contributed XCD353.3m to the economy of Dominica in 2011.  The sector provided 10,500 jobs, including those indirectly supported, accounting for 29.3% of the total workforce of the country (World Travel and Tourism Council – WTCC 2011).  It ranks 19th out of 181 countries in terms of the relative contribution tourism makes to the national economy, with a 31.8% share of GDP, compared to the world average of 14% (WTTC 2011). In 2010 the island saw 77,000 tourist arrivals, with the largest proportion coming from the French West Indies, closely followed by the United States.  Additionally, Dominica hosted over 518,000 cruise passengers in 2010, with cruise ships continuing to dominate the market.  In 2011 visitor exports generated XCD233.9m, constituting 55.2% of total exports.  The Ministry of Tourism and Legal Affairs is responsible for the sustainable development of tourism, particularly in relation to the promotion of eco-tourism.  Marketing is focused in the key markets of Europe and the Caribbean, using a range of collateral materials including brochures and DVDs.  Discover Dominica Authority is the national tourist board.

Investment

Dominica markets itself as the ‘Nature Island’, and is a significant player in the global ecotourism sector.  Discover Dominica Authority is aiming to increase stay-over visitors to the country, thereby increasing revenue to by strategically positioning and marketing the country as a premier adventure and responsible tourism destination, as well as ensuring quality, environmental and cultural sustainability.

The main attraction of the island is in its natural diversity, with volcanic peaks, waterfalls and abundant rainforest.  Hiking and diving are the central activities on the island.  Additionally, there has been a growth in other areas, notably in biking, bird watching and adventure activities such as canyoning.

The Tourism Sector Development Programme is a two year tourism programme implemented by the government.  It aims to promote links between the tourism and agricultural and rural sectors, alongside technical assistance for the strengthening of the main tourism institutions.  A significant part of this programme is the continuing development of community tourism.

Investment in the travel and tourism industry in 2011 was XCD42.2mn, constituting 12.0% of total investment in the country.  It was expected to fall by fall by 2.2% in 2012, but then grow by 2.1% pa over the following ten years, rising to XCD50.6mn by 2022.