Dominica Charts FDI’s Top 20 Tourism Locations

The Commonwealth of Dominica was ranked the top 20 tourism destination by a new report published in December by the fDi Intelligence, a service from the Financial Times. In partnership with the Citizenship by Investment (CBI) Programme, Dominica attained titles in ecotourism, wellness tourism, climate resilient strategy, hotel development and investment, incentives, recovery and voluntourism.

Ecotourism

Also known as the Nature Island, Dominica leads in ecotourism with its scenic views complimented by its sustainable development efforts. The country sparks the inner adventurer in visitors with its wonderous nature, lush rainforests, aweing volcanoes and waterfalls, and eco-friendly resorts and lodges.

Wellness Tourism

Dominica has honed the art of wellness tourism. Along with its breathtaking natural beauty that relaxes the soul, visitors can also indulge in spas and hot water springs. Fitness classes like yoga, chiropractic care and pilates help keep the body at peace as well. Whale-watching and snorkelling in the island’s clear coastal waters also adds to the overall wellbeing of travellers.

Climate Resilient Strategy

As the only country in this category, Dominica’s efforts to become climate-resilient speaks volumes on the international stage. The Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, has pledged to make the beautiful island become the world’s first climate-resilient nation. CBI investment contributes tremendously to this initiative by helping make existing tourism structures more eco-friendly.

Hotels Development and Investment

Through the CBI Programme, significant foreign investment was made on the island in hotel properties this year. Along with tourists, Dominica has greeted some of the world’s most high-ranking hotel chains like Kempinski, Hilton and Marriott and boutique resorts like Jungle Bay and Jungle Bay. These projects are carving a niche in eco-friendly resorts.

Incentives

Through the CBI Programme, the well-vetted foreign investors who contribute USD 100,000 to the Economic Diversion Fund (EDF) or USD 200,000 in designated real estate can attain second citizenship to the island nation that gives visa-free access to over 140 countries around the world.

Recovery 

After Hurricane Maria in 2017, Dominica’s physical infrastructure suffered immensely. As a result, there was also a drop in tourism that year. Prioritising investments and building climate-resilient hotels and bridges has shown a sharp increase in 2018 in tourism, surpassing 2016’s figure.

Voluntourism

Dominica was again the only country out of the twenty rankers to be mentioned in this category. Through voluntourism packages, guests were invited to assist in the clean-up and rebuilding efforts of the Nature Island.

With human curiosity fuelling wanderlust and the improvement of technology providing ease in mobility, travellers are looking for destinations that are not only new or luxurious, but ethical and ecologically sustainable. Dominica is becoming a clear choice for those.