Travelers to Dominica can now complete immigration forms online. (Photo Credit: Brian Major)

Add the tiny nation of Dominica to the list of Caribbean destinations reporting increased visitor arrivals in 2024.

The ¡°Nature Island¡± hosted 83,976 visitors last year, a 13 percent year-over-year increase compared with 2024, according to officials at the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), the island¡¯s tourism development agency.

New hotels and expanded airlift were responsible for the 2024 visitor uptick, say officials at the Discover Dominica Authority, the island¡¯s tourism development agency. The trends will continue in 2025, as United Airlines will launch its second direct flight departing Saturdays from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Dominica¡¯s Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) beginning Feburary15, 2025.

The expanded United flights follow extensive renovations and upgrades at Douglas-Charles Airport, including a 6,351-foot runway extension to accommodate larger aircraft and ¡°enhance safety and reduce the risk of flight cancellations,¡± said DDA officials. The airport¡¯s terminal has been upgraded to ¡°increase capacity and improve overall operational efficiency,¡± they added.

Also in 2025, Dominica will add new resorts, bringing 500 additional rooms to the destination, a 25 percent hotel inventory increase for the island. The Anichi Resort and Spa, and Autograph Collection by Marriott property, is under development in Dominica¡¯s Portsmouth district and will feature 128 single- and two-bedroom suites and presidential suites with views of Picard Beach.

The clifftop Tranquility Beach Dominica is a Hilton resort in development in Salisbury on Dominica¡¯s West Coast. The property will feature fully serviced premium vacation villas and residences with 99 one- and two-bedroom condominium suites, studio suites and two- and three-bedroom villas or tree house bungalows. Amenities and services will include a spa, wellness center and gym and a fine dining restaurant.

Also slated to debut this year are the Ocean Edge Hotel featuring modern design and 38 ocean-facing rooms, and the Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort and Spa, located in the rainforest based in the Providence Estate in Laudat, Roseau Valley.

The property will be based within the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and will feature 72 luxury villas surrounded by lush vegetation, plus a spa, yoga facility, bar and specialty organic restaurant. All resort developments are part of Dominica¡¯s Citizenship by Investment program.

Cruise Entry

Dominica¡¯s 2024-2025 cruise season is projected to bring 375,000 cruise passengers from 235 cruise calls to the destination, numbers DDA officials describe as ¡°unprecedented.¡± The country hosted 314,503 cruise ship visitors in 2023, according to Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) data. In 2025, AIDA Cruises¡¯ AIDAbella, Explora Journeys¡¯ Explora II, Princess Cruises¡¯ Sapphire Princess and Majestic Princess and Virgin Voyages¡¯ Resilient Lady will make their first calls in Dominica.

Dominican has undertaken ¡°upgrades at major tourism sites around the island,¡± and ¡°improvements to access roads, reception facilities and trails¡± to ¡°enhance Dominica¡¯s service quality for cruisers in preparation for the 2024-2025 season,¡± DDA officials said.

Also later this year, a cable car to Dominica¡¯s Boiling Lake will be completed, and provide an ¡°accessible and exhilarating¡± means for visitors to experience the volcanic activity of an iconic Dominica natural wonder, said DDA officials. The cable car will feature 65 cabins, each accommodating 10 people running 869 feet.??

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