ROSEAU, Dominica: A number of community tourism projects in various parts of the island will be showcased and unveiled by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Private Sector Relations during a Press Tour starting in Grand Bay and culminating in Calibishie.

Under the Eco-Tourism Development Programme(ETDP) funded by the European Commission and the Government of Dominica, five areas in the tourism sector were identified for investment and attention. These are: institutional strengthening; human resource development, destination marketing, eco-tourism product development and community tourism development.

The community tourism projects to be showcased and unveiled are:

• The Geneva Heritage Park in Grand Bay; this project is geared at developing Art and Craft and Heritage Tourism;
• The Beach and Trails Adventure Project in Wavine Cyrique, Riviere Cyrique; this project promotes hiking, Agro-tours, river and sea bathing;
• The Dernier Falls and Bamboo Café project in Grand Fond targets the niche markets of Agro-tourism, hiking, heritage tourism, fresh water experience and cuisine;
• The Touna Riverside Facility in Concord; this project targets the niche markets of Heritage Tourism and Fresh Water bathing;
• The Tourist Reception and Craft Centre in Calibishie; this project offers opportunities in Agro- tourism, support to other stakeholders, Art and Craft.

These projects are expected to provide opportunities for the development of entrepreneurial activities in the tourism sector in Dominica.

Additionally a number of community tourism training programmes designed to provide the necessary skills, knowledge and attitude were undertaken in order to enhance the sustainability of these projects.
The Eco-Tourism Development Programme which commenced in August 2002 is expected to end on June 30, 2007. By the end of the Programme it is anticipated that over $18.9 million will have been spent.