Minister gives upbeat assessment of Dominica's tourism sector
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| Published on Saturday, March 31, 2007 |
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ROSEAU, Dominica: Minister for Tourism, Industry and Private Sector Relations, Yvor Nassief, has given an upbeat assessment of Dominica’s Tourism Sector.
The Minister made the remarks at a press conference organised by his ministry last week.
Nassief reported an increase in tourist arrivals in 2006 compared to 2005. In 2006, there were 84,041 arrivals compared to 79,257 in 2005, a 6 percent increase.
According to Nassief, there is a greater mix of people coming to Dominica, with more people coming to the destination for leisure and typically would stay for a week compared to those who come for business and stay typically, for about 2-3 days.
The Minister also reported on a number of private-sector led investments in the hotel sub-sector which will add more to Dominica’s room inventory.
Described by Nassief as “an excellent property”, the Rosalie Bay Resort in Rosalie will, on completion, have more than 30 rooms.
Work is expected to begin soon at Richmond Bay in Castle Bruce. Upon completion the facility will boast 12 cottages.
With properties such as 3-Rivers, Jungle Bay and Rosalie Bay now well established, Mr Nassief said: “What we now see is clusters developing. We are now getting critical mass so our farmers can produce and new restaurants, shops and local communities can benefit”.
Nassief was extremely pleased to report on the success of his ministry’s e-marketing campaign adding that the banners on National Geographic and Lonely Planet have been very effective in driving persons to Dominica’s website.
While acknowledging a “softness in the Eastern Caribbean cruise market”, compared to the Western Caribbean, Nassief said that the prestigious Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines will now make calls to Dominica stressing “this is a huge achievement. It gives us a better mix and spread of cruise lines”.
Although next season will see a reduction in the number of ships, the passenger count will remain the same, the minister reported.
The Cruise Ship Berth at the Cabrits in the town of Portsmouth will see a significant increase in the number of calls for the 2007/2008 season. | | | | Reads : 177 | | | |
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