Denise Charles, Dominica’s Minister of Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives, addressed the nation as the country marks May as Tourism Awareness Month. She also said the government was looking for ways to establish a hospitality training institute.
She said the government recognizes the need for training in all sectors of the hospitality industry and is focusing on methods to improve the skills of everyone associated with the industry. She said key experts would be hired to deliver certified training sessions.
Minister Charles said the tourism industry in Dominica is experiencing remarkable growth as cruise ships dock daily at the port of Roseau Bayfront and Woodbridge. She said the daily arrival of US airline flights landing in Dominica supports the tourism sector.
She said demand for Dominica was growing rapidly and the northern and southern bays were also busy with yachts.
The tourism minister said scuba diving instructors also reported high demand in 2022.
The Minister said the Tourism Month celebrations would help showcase Dominica to the world and take responsibility for improving the landscapes.
“Tourism is one of the most productive sectors and plays an important role
in the growth of the national economy, we must therefore all play our part so that tourism remains this engine of growth,” said Minister Charles.
The Minister of Tourism said the sector has a direct impact on uplifting farmers, vendors, agro-processors, cleaners and more. She said each individual has a personal responsibility to ensure the success of the industry.
Additionally, she said people who come to visit Dominica want to live beyond hotel experiences and want to explore the island of nature.
“Guests are looking for holistic and authentic experiences that go beyond the hotel and organized tours. They want to feel the spirit of the island of nature through our food, our sites and our people, so we are all important players in making this tourist landscape more dynamic,” said the Minister of Tourism.
She urged people to keep the environment clean and green and plant beautiful flowers along the highways.
Each year, the Ministry of Tourism, the Dominica Discovery Authority and key stakeholders such as the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association observe the month of May as “Tourism Awareness Month”. by organizing activities to raise public awareness of the impact of tourism on the island.
