What Dominica is doing to meet rising tourism demand
Meagan Drillinger
Dominica is preparing for one of its most ambitious years in tourism development, with nearly 500 hotel rooms set to debut in 2025, representing a 25% increase in the island's accommodation inventory. The expansion is certainly a welcome development for an island that saw a 13% increase in visitors in 2024.
The surge in tourism underscores the Nature Island's rising profile in the Caribbean. It has marketed itself as a destination known for its sustainability, immersive natural experiences and ecoluxury lodging. The bump in visitor arrivals to nearly 84,000 in 2024 is already driving growth in airlift, cruise traffic and infrastructure.
In the pipeline
The new room inventory will come from four major resort developments that are currently underway.
Among them is the Anichi Resort and Spa, an Autograph Collection property by Marriott in Portsmouth. The 128-key resort will feature one- and two-bedroom suites, a spa, restaurants, multiple pools, and views of Picard Beach.
Tranquility Beach Dominica, a clifftop Hilton-branded resort in Salisbury, includes 99 premium suites, villas, and treehouse bungalows paired with a spa, fitness center and restaurant.
The Ocean Edge Hotel, accessible by both land and sea, will offer 38 ocean-facing rooms in the capital of Roseau. A planned waterfront pier will enhance marine access for yachters and small boats.
In the rainforest interior of Laudat, Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort and Spa will have 72 luxury villas built within the Morne Trois Pitons Unesco World Heritage Site, with a spa, yoga facilities and an organic restaurant.
By air and by sea
A second nonstop from the U.S. to Dominica debuted in February, as United will fly nonstop from Newark to Douglas-Charles Airport weekly. The new route follows infrastructure upgrades at the airport, including a 6,351-foot runway extension and enhanced terminal capacity. United joins American Airlines, which offers nonstops from Miami three times a week.
Dominica's cruise sector is also gaining momentum. More than 375,000 passengers are expected during the 2024-2025 season from 235 cruise calls, including inaugural visits from Explora Journeys' Explora II, Virgin Voyages' Resilient Lady and the Sapphire Princess.
Dominica is also building out its nature-based experiences in anticipation of more arrivals. The new Boiling Lake cable car project is expected to be completed in late 2025. The single-cable system will take riders 4.1 miles from the Roseau Valley up to Boiling Lake, one of the world's largest thermal springs, located in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. The installation of 65 cars will help reduce foot traffic along the hiking trail. Each car can accommodate 10 people.
In 2026, Dominica will launch a dedicated Whale Reserve, a marine conservation effort that will serve as an educational and tourism experience centered around the island's sperm whale population, including an opportunity to swim with the whales.
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