Dominica: The Discover Dominica Authority (DHA) positioned Dominica as one of the Caribbean’s strongest-performing and fastest-evolving tourism destinations during a high-level presentation at CHTA Marketplace 2026. The island participated as a Gold Sponsor of the region’s leading tourism marketplace.
The destination presentation was delivered by CEO and Director of Tourism – Marva Williams during an official press conference that was held on May 14, 2026 in Antigua. The event brought together regional and international media representatives, tourism stakeholders and travel industry partners.
Addressing the attendees, Williams highlighted Dominica’s continued tourism growth, expanding air connectivity, transformative infrastructure projects and sustainable tourism agenda. She said that the government has positioned the Nature Island for long-term growth within the regional tourism industry.
Williams further stated that Dominica is entering one of the most transformative periods in its tourism development. They are seeing strong visitor growth, major investment in national infrastructure and increasing global interest in destinations centered on authenticity, wellness, sustainability and meaningful experiences.
According to the presentation, in 2025 total visitor arrivals increased by an average of 15% i.e. 496,635, rising from 432,989 as counted in 2024. The growth was driven by continued increases in both stayover and cruise arrivals.
Stayover arrivals have grown by 19% to 99,846 visitors in 2025, surpassing the pre-pandemic 2019 levels. While first-quarter stayover arrivals for 2026 recorded an additional 10% increase as compared to the same period last year.
Also, the cruise tourism continued its upward trajectory, with Dominica welcoming 409,761 cruise passengers between October 2025 and April 2026, representing a 23% increase over the previous cruise season and the island’s strongest cruise performance since the 2010-11 season.
Williams also highlighted Dominica’s expanded destination marketing initiatives, including the successful “Nature of Love” campaign, which promotes the island as a destination for romance, wellness, adventure and meaningful nature-based experiences.
The presentation further outlined several transformative projects that will reshape Dominica’s tourism landscape, including the international airport development, geothermal energy plant and the Dominica Cable Car, which is expected to become the world’s longest mono cable car system upon completion in October 2026.
Projects also focus on marine and hospitality sector expansion, wellness tourism offerings and the establishment of the world’s first Sperm Whale Reserve. Dominica was also recently recognised by National Geographic as one of the Best Places in the World to Travel in 2026.
The Discover Dominica Authority reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable tourism, climate resilience and strengthening regional and international tourism partnerships through continued participation in major industry events.