ROSEAU, Dominica – January 22, 2024 – The island of Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a) is celebrating a record-breaking 2024 travel season, welcoming 83,976 visitors to the island, a remarkable 13% year-over-year increase in arrivals compared to 2023. The surge in tourism underscores the Nature Island's growing appeal as a premier destination in the Caribbean, and with new hotels, airlift, and attractions set to debut in 2025, Discover Dominica expects this winter travel season to be unprecedented. 

“Dominica's focus on nature and sustainability continues to be the driving force of our growth,” said Marva Williams, CEO of Discover Dominica. “Visitors are coming to Dominica to connect with nature, see the beauty of our natural wonders, and connect with our culture. This year, we are focusing on building out more experiences and opportunities for visitors to have easier access to some of our more sought-after attractions, including Boiling Lake, the sperm whale population and more.” 

ACCESSIBILITY  

Starting February 15, 2025, Dominica will launch its second direct flight from the United States with United Airlines, just in time for the island's iconic Mas Domnik Carnival celebration, set for March 3-4, 2025. This new route will operate weekly on Saturdays from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Dominica's Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM). This significant decision by United Airlines follows extensive renovations and upgrades at Douglas-Charles Airport, including a 6,351-foot runway extension and the addition of runway grooving. These improvements not only accommodate larger aircraft but enhance safety and reduce the risk of flight cancellations. Additionally, the terminal has been upgraded to increase capacity and improve overall operational efficiency.  

HOTEL NEWS 

In 2025, Dominica will welcome several new hotels, adding nearly 500 rooms with a 25% increase in hotel inventory, just in time for what is expected to be one of the destination's busiest travel seasons to date. Upcoming hotel openings include: 

• Anichi Resort and Spa, Autograph Collection by Marriott, is under development in Dominica's picturesque Portsmouth and will feature 128 single- and two-bedroom suites and presidential suites with views of Picard Beach, world-class restaurants, multiple pools and a spa oasis and fitness center.  

• Tranquility Beach Dominica is a Hilton resort currently in development clifftop in Salisbury on Dominica's West Coast, featuring fully serviced premium vacation villas and residences. Guests can choose from 99 one- and two-bedroom condominium suites, studio suites and two- and three-bedroom villas or tree house bungalows couched in a full-service setting. A diverse range of amenities and services will be available, including a world-class spa and wellness center and gym, a fine dining restaurant and more.  

• Ocean Edge Hotel seamlessly blends traditional charm with modern design, offering an exceptional retreat for travelers. Accessible by land and sea, the resort features 38 ocean-facing rooms, including a presidential suite, executive suites, and oceanfront rooms. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a spa, game room, fitness center, conference room, and two restaurants. A new waterfront pier will further enhance the marine lifestyle, catering to yachters and private boat owners. 

• Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort and Spa is situated in the heart of the rainforest of Providence Estate in Laudat, Roseau Valley, home of UNESCO World Heritage Site Morne Trois Pitons National Park. When complete, the resort will feature 72 luxury villa units that coexist within undisturbed, lush vegetation, as well as an alluring spa, yoga facility, bar and specialty organic restaurant that will create authentic mixology and delectable international cuisine.  

All resort developments are part of Dominica's Citizenship by Investment program. Additional information on the properties will be available later this year.  

CRUISE 

Dominica's 2024-2025 cruise season is projected to bring an unprecedented number of tourists to the island with more than 375,000 cruise passengers from 235 cruise calls, with inaugural visits from the MV AIDAbella, MSC Explora II, MV Sapphire Princess, MV Majestic Princess and MV Resilient Lady. Significant efforts have been made to enhance Dominica's service quality for cruisers in preparation for the 2024-2025 season, including upgrades at major tourism sites around the island, improvements to access roads, reception facilities and trails. The Government of Dominica remains committed to promoting the island as a premier cruise destination while continuously enhancing the overall experiences for visitors.  

EXPERIENCES 

Cable Car: The much-anticipated development of a cable car to Boiling Lake will be completed in late 2025, providing an accessible and exhilarating way for visitors to experience one of Dominica's most iconic natural wonders. The cable car will feature 65 cabins, each accommodating 10 people running 265 meters. This will allow more people to enjoy the breathtaking views and unique volcanic activity that defines the area.  

Whale Reserve: Dominica is set to launch the world's first Whale Reserve in 2025. This groundbreaking initiative underscores the island's commitment to marine conservation while offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The Whale Reserve will play a pivotal role in facilitating scientific research and educational programs aimed at raising awareness about marine conservation, while creating sustainable tourism opportunities for the local economy. Additional information will be released in early 2025.  

The six-star, all-villa resort Secret Bay will launch its Longevity Wellness Program in 2025 as well. This holistic initiative inspired by Dominica's centenarians encompasses multiple wellness pillars centered around movement, nutrition, sleep, sustainability and more. The resort is also including guests in its expanded conservation efforts to protect critically endangered species like the Lesser Antillean Iguana and Hawksbill Turtle, partnering with ecologist Jeanelle Brisbane and DomSeTCO.  

Oceanfront in Dominica's vibrant capital of Roseau, Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort's new Old Oven Art Gallery will present “I Am Kalinago,”  a solo exhibition delving  into the rich heritage of Dominica's indigenous Kalinago people. At the Old Oven Art Gallery, guests will find a rotating display of local artwork available for sale, along with curated exhibitions, intimate events and private functions. This exhibition by Dominican artist Francillia Agar will run until Feb. 2, 2025. 

Foodies looking for wellness and adventure can also look forward to a new culinary experience and eatery included in Jungle Bay Dominica's Adventure Wellness Package. The resort is introducing a Sizzle and Grill Night featuring seafood and fresh produce, and opening their Farmer's Table Restaurant, a culinary evening tour for the senses featuring exotic ingredients from the island. 

The new year also brings new all-inclusive honeymoon packages to eco-luxury resort Coulibri Ridge. Whether choosing a quick romantic escape or an extended island retreat, couples can indulge in sustainable luxury with three new all-inclusive honeymoon packages featuring: spacious accommodations in a duplex suite or studio; full-board gourmet meals, including romantic 4-course dinners; spa experiences; and activities such as waterfall tours, snorkeling in pristine marine reserves, and private beach picnics. The 3-Night Romantic Retreat includes guided romantic hikes, a couple's massage and Sundown discovery of Soufriere. The 5-night Island Paradise Experience includes airport transportation, a snorkeling or kayaking adventure and a half-day spa experience. The 7-night Ultimate Caribbean Honeymoon includes all the previous features as well as a Victoria Falls hike and exclusive champagne beach picnic. The starting rate for these packages is $3,200 USD for a Seaview Suite. For custom pricing and reservations, email info@coulibriridge.com.  

A year after launching its first signature gin made from nine local botanicals, Sea Cliff Eco-Cottages is offering complimentary tasting tours at its micro-batch distillery. Tours include a peek into the 'alchemist's lab' where the gin is crafted, using solar power and repurposed bottles, and a unique 'gin botanicals trail' where visitors can taste, touch and smell the botanical plants that grow in their two acres of clifftop tropical gardens. Drop by and sample their latest 'micro-bath' as well as other rare tastes like the Dragon fruit Gin Liqueur, which is a collaboration with local Dominican-owned eco-farm Soma Gardens where all profits go to a non-profit supporting the community's youth. Tour hours are now expanded to any day of the week, by appointment. Just call, text or WhatsApp: +1 646 421 8681, or email seacliffdominica@gmail.com to request a day and time. 

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About Dominica 

Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a, and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is the youngest Caribbean Island and the last to be colonized, ultimately earning its independence on November 3, 1978. Dominica lies south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean. Air travelers can connect to Dominica direct from Miami on American Airlines, and make regional connections on Air Antilles, Air Sunshine, Coastal Air Transport, InterCaribbean Airways,  Caribbean Airlines, Silver Airways - (Code share: American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, and United), from the surrounding hubs of Antigua, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, St Lucia, the British Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If traveling by sea, travelers may connect to Dominica on the L'Express des Iles ferry service from Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Lucia, and on Val Ferry from Guadeloupe and Martinique.  For more information about Dominica, please visit www.discoverdominica.com.  

Media Contact: 

Zapwater Communications