Wellness Experts to Explore the Impact and Opportunities of Wellness Tourism in Dominica

Panel discussion to explore how wellness tourism creates opportunities for communities, businesses and residents across Dominica

-The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) will host a panel discussion titled "Wellness Tourism in Dominica: A Destination That Benefits Everyone"; on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Jungle Bay Resort & Spa.

The event forms part of the 2026 Tourism Awareness Programme, which is being observed under the theme "Wellness by Nature." The discussion will examine how wellness tourism can create opportunities for communities, businesses and residents while supporting Dominica's position within a growing global travel segment focused on health, well-being and meaningful experiences.

The panel will bring together wellness practitioners, tourism professionals and industry

leaders to explore how experiences rooted in Dominica's natural environment, traditional knowledge, wellness practices and locally produced products can contribute to entrepreneurship, community development and visitor experiences.

The panel will feature:

 Dr. Paula Lockhart, holistic wellness advocate and co-author of Natural Plant-

Based Remedies

 Marva Williams, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Tourism at the Discover

Dominica Authority

 Ellen Joseph, holistic practitioner and wellness consultant at Rosalie Bay Eco Resort

& Spa

 Antonina Okinina, wellness practitioner at InterContinental Cabrits Resort & Spa

 Renauld Deschamps, naturopath, herbalist and President of the Dominica Herbal

Business Association

The panel discussion will be moderated by Monelle Alexis, Communications and Public

Relations Specialist at the Discover Dominica Authority. "When people think about wellness tourism, they often think about spas and retreats. In Dominica, wellness is also found in our rivers, hot springs, local foods, traditional practices and the ways people connect with nature," said Odile Jno Baptiste, Product Promotions Manager at the Discover Dominica Authority. "This discussion will highlight how those

experiences can create opportunities for communities and entrepreneurs while contributing to the well-being of both residents and visitors."

Tourism stakeholders, wellness practitioners, entrepreneurs, students, community

organizations and members of the public are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion. Participants will also have an opportunity to engage directly with panelists during an interactive question-and-answer segment.

The 2026 Tourism Awareness Programme seeks to increase public understanding of tourism's contribution to national development while encouraging greater participation in initiatives that support the sector. This year's focus on wellness highlights the role of Dominica's natural assets, wellness experiences and local expertise in creating benefits for residents, communities and visitors alike.