Discover Dominica Authority Positions Dominica as One of Caribbean’s Fastest-Growing Destinations at CHTA Marketplace 2026

Gold sponsor presentation highlights record tourism growth, major infrastructure developments and sustainable tourism leadership

— Dominica positioned itself as one of the Caribbean’s strongest-performing and fastest-evolving destinations during a high-level presentation at CHTA Marketplace 2026, where 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 held on May 14 in Antigua, bringing together regional and international media, tourism stakeholders and travel industry partners.

Addressing the audience, Ms. Williams outlined Dominica’s continued tourism growth, expanding air access, transformative infrastructure projects and sustainable tourism agenda, positioning the Nature Island for long-term growth within the regional tourism industry.

“Dominica is entering one of the most transformative periods in its tourism development,” said Marva Williams. “We are seeing strong visitor growth, major investment in national infrastructure and increasing global interest in destinations centered on authenticity, wellness, sustainability and meaningful experiences. Dominica is well positioned within that global shift.”

Ms. Williams reported that total visitor arrivals increased by an average of 15% in 2025, rising from 432,989 in 2024 to 496,635, driven by continued growth in both stayover and cruise arrivals.

Stayover arrivals increased by 19% to 99,846 visitors in 2025, surpassing 2019 levels, while first quarter stayover arrivals for 2026 recorded an additional 10% increase over the same period last year.

Cruise tourism also continues to expand, with Dominica welcoming 409,761 cruise visitors between October 2025 and April 2026, representing a 23% increase over the previous cruise season and the island’s strongest cruise performance since the 2010/2011 season.

Ms. Williams also highlighted Dominica’s expanded destination marketing efforts, including the successful “Nature of Love” campaign, which positions Dominica as a destination for romance, wellness, adventure and meaningful connection through nature-based travel experiences.

She also invited travelers to “Summer the Nature Island Way,” encouraging visitors to experience Dominica’s hiking trails, diving, wellness offerings, culinary experiences and family-friendly adventures throughout the summer season.

The presentation also highlighted several transformative projects reshaping Dominica’s tourism landscape, including the construction of the international airport, the 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.

Additional updates focused on the expansion of Dominica’s marine and hospitality sectors, including the development of a new full-service marina, wellness tourism offerings and the establishment of the world’s first Sperm Whale Reserve.

Ms. Williams also referenced Dominica’s growing international recognition, including its recent selection by National Geographic as one of the Best Places in the World to Travel in 2026.

During the presentation, Ms. Williams noted that Dominica was also featured in Caribbean Travel Trends 2026 Magazine, announced during CHTA Marketplace 2026, as one of the region’s strongest-performing destinations with 22% year-over-year growth driven by increasing demand for nature and adventure travel.

As Dominica continues to expand its tourism product, the destination remains focused on sustainable development, climate resilience and community-centered tourism experiences that support long-term economic growth while preserving the island’s natural environment and cultural identity.

Discover Dominica Authority thanked the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association for the opportunity to participate in Marketplace 2026 and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional and international tourism partnerships.