Dominica sees a 308% rise in tourism arrivals. Travel Week
Dominica, known as the "Nature Island" in the Caribbean, has seen a remarkable rise in visitor arrivals, with 83,976 tourists visiting the island in 2024. This represents a 13% increase compared to the previous year, according to the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), the island's tourism body.
The increase in visitors is credited to two major factors: the opening of new hotels and expanded air travel options. The island's tourism officials are confident that this trend will continue in 2025. United Airlines is set to launch a new direct flight from Newark Liberty International Airport to Dominica’s Douglas-Charles Airport, starting February 15, 2025. This flight will depart every Saturday, offering more convenience for travelers looking to visit the island.
In addition to the new flight, Douglas-Charles Airport itself has undergone significant improvements. The runway has been extended to 6,351 feet, allowing larger aircraft to land, which enhances safety and reduces the likelihood of flight cancellations. The terminal has also been renovated to increase capacity and improve operational efficiency, ensuring that passengers have a smoother experience upon arrival.
Dominica is also seeing an expansion in its hotel offerings. In 2025, new resorts will add 500 rooms to the island’s existing accommodation options, representing a 25% increase in its hotel inventory. Among these new developments is the Anichi Resort and Spa, an Autograph Collection property by Marriott, located in the Portsmouth district. The resort will feature 128 suites, including one- and two-bedroom suites, and presidential suites with stunning views of Picard Beach.
On the island’s West Coast, the Tranquility Beach Dominica Hilton resort is also under development in Salisbury. The resort will offer premium vacation villas and residences, including 99 one- and two-bedroom condominium suites, studio suites, and villas. Guests will be able to enjoy a range of amenities, including a spa, wellness center, gym, and fine dining restaurant.
Other new properties set to open this year include the Ocean Edge Hotel, which will feature 38 oceanfront rooms, and the Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort and Spa, located in the Providence Estate in Laudat, Roseau Valley. The latter is nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Morne Trois Pitons National Park and will offer 72 luxury villas surrounded by lush rainforests. The resort will also feature a spa, yoga facility, bar, and a specialty organic restaurant.
These resort developments are part of Dominica's Citizenship by Investment program, which attracts foreign investment into the island's tourism sector.
In addition to the rise in hotel developments, Dominica is also experiencing a boom in cruise tourism. The 2024-2025 cruise season is expected to bring in around 375,000 cruise passengers, up from 314,503 in 2023. This season will see new cruise ships making their first calls to Dominica, including AIDA Cruises’ AIDAbella, Explora Journeys’ Explora II, Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess, and Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady.
To ensure a top-tier experience for cruise visitors, Dominica has invested in upgrades to major tourism sites, access roads, reception facilities, and trails. The island is also set to complete a cable car to Boiling Lake later this year, offering visitors an exciting way to experience the volcanic activity of this natural wonder. The cable car will feature 65 cabins, each capable of carrying 10 passengers, and will run over 869 feet, providing a unique and accessible experience for tourists.
