Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority to Host Cruise Stakeholders' Symposium 2026

Three-day symposium will bring together tourism stakeholders and international cruise experts following a record-breaking cruise season.

ROSEAU, Dominica, July 22, 2026 — Following a record-breaking 2025/2026 cruise season that saw passenger arrivals increase by 21%, the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) will host the 2026 Cruise Stakeholders' Symposium from July 27-29 to strengthen Dominica's cruise tourism industry.

During the 2025/2026 season, Dominica welcomed 409,761 cruise passengers aboard 250 vessel calls, representing increases of 21% and 8%, respectively, over the previous season. The symposium forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance destination readiness, improve service excellence and support the continued development of Dominica's cruise tourism product.

Representatives from the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA), the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence and Winged Whale Media will share insights on emerging industry trends, visitor expectations and strategies to improve destination competitiveness.

"The Cruise Stakeholders' Symposium provides an important opportunity for us to align our efforts as a destination and ensure we continue to deliver exceptional experiences for our visitors," said Marva Williams, Director of Tourism and CEO, Discover Dominica Authority. "As cruise tourism continues to evolve, we must continue to invest in our people, strengthen partnerships and develop experiences that distinguish Dominica within an increasingly competitive marketplace."

The symposium will officially open on Monday, July 27, with remarks from Minister Charles-Pemberton and representatives of the Discover Dominica Authority, followed by cultural performances.

Over the course of the three days, participants will engage in sessions on the regional cruise industry's outlook, the role of artificial intelligence in tourism, customer service excellence, shore excursion development, diversity and inclusion and strategic leadership. The program will also feature a Tourism Leadership Dialogue with representatives from the Ministry of Tourism, the Discover Dominica Authority and the Dominica Air and Seaports Authority (DASPA).

The symposium will conclude with an interactive product development workshop facilitated by the Aquila Center for Cruise Excellence, providing stakeholders with practical tools to develop and enhance tourism experiences that align with the evolving expectations of today's cruise visitors.

Tourism stakeholders, frontline service providers and industry partners are encouraged to participate in the 2026 Cruise Stakeholders' Symposium, which will take place daily from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from July 27-29. To register, email csergenton@discoverdominica.dm or visit Discover Dominica Authority’s office on Great Marlborough Street in Roseau. Registration closes on Friday, July 24, 2026.