As Tourism Awareness Month comes to an end, the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Urban Renewal, hosted the second annual ‘Tourism Open Day’, in an effort to showcase the work of stakeholders within the industry.
Quality Assurance Officer with the DDA, Samantha Letang, told DNO that the event, held on the ground floor of the Government Headquarters, is meant to provide the public with an understanding of stakeholders’ services.
“We decided to sort of try and capture as much of our stakeholders as possible. It’s an opportunity for them to display their products, display their services so that persons know what their actual services are, what they do on a day-to-day basis…,” she explained. “So, it’s an opportunity for people to understand what we do.”
She described the event as “slowly growing,” noting that more public awareness was needed for its full success.
“It’s a slowly growing event,” Letang said. “It’s just a matter of getting the public aware of it, and to understand that it is part of the awareness campaign, and that they can actually come and learn more about the individual sectors.”
Present at the exhibition were representatives from the arts and crafts sector—including persons from the Arts and Crafts Producers Association— Kalinagos, representatives from the Community Tourism Association, Local Area Management Authority (LAMA), the Water Sports Association, Whitchurch Tours and Travel, and the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA).
Letang highlighted the presence of persons from the Health and Wellness Association.
“This particular group is really important, because they’re actually doing sample massages, neck massages and head massages, teaching people how they can relieve stress from their headaches…,” she stated.
Member of the Health and Wellness Association, and first-time participant in the event, Kathe Robinson, Managing Partner of Getaway Holistic Center, lamented the lack of public attendance at the exhibition.
“So far, it would have been really nice to see more persons turn out,” she said.
Robinson stated the low turn-out could be attributed to poor weather conditions, and lack of zeal among the public in the early mornings.
product has been dying for years, and in fact is now basically DEAD!
Where’s the vision? Who has the new strategy? “Discover your inner explorer”? I don’t think so.
Well I guess that a new foreign, marketing consulting firm has been hired, for big bucks. And I really hope they have the marketing solution. However, too bad local talent is not being used…those who live here and breathe Dominica every day.
How about marketing this event PRIOR to when it happens? With no marketing, there is NO public awareness!
Sorry Ms Letang, and especially Ms Robinson…a first-time participant. You say ‘poor attendance’ due to bad weather conditions, and most Dominicans do not have the ‘zeal’ to get up early in the morning.
Well guess what Ms Robinson? Most Dominicans (including me) get up around 5:00 am. No ‘zeal’ you say? Give me a break! If we KNEW this event was being held, AND if it was correctly marketed and promoted, I’m sure the event would have been more highly-attended.
Which leads me to my final comment. The REAL problem with this island’s tourism marketing…is this example of NO marketing.
With all due respect to the locals’ fine crafts, WHO was the target market for this event? While I applaud all the efforts made…indeed from the local crafts people… will this event drive more tourist stay-over visitations? NOPE!
No wonder why this island’s tourism…
has been dying for years, and is now basically dead! Where’s the vision? Who has the new strategy? When does the new campaign start? Even though I doubt that a sharp, new marketing strategy is even in the works.
Well, perhaps the answer lies with a foreign marketing consulting firm, that has been hired for big bucks. Too bad when so much local talent exists, and who live here and breathe Dominica every day.
You are right! On all counts!
However out of all the other points mentioned I’m disappointed THIS is what I was quoted as saying. How about Getaway Holistic Center serves to help persons bring balance and control back to their lives through mindfulness meditation, yoga and certified massage therapy. Life caching, chakra balancing and health & nutritional coaching?
It’s not about lambasting or critiquing. No offense meant. It’s all about how words are represented. Zeal in mornings? Hmmm….interesting.
Dominica is beautiful and we have a lot going for us. Let’s use it to bring out the best in us and each other
“We decided to sort of try …”
Says it all really.
Beautiful…Is there any way that these things can be bought online?
Dominica has so much talent and so much to offer. Next season may not be here at all. If Dominica has a hurricane or bad storm like Erika then how exactly will tourist navigate the island. The Government of Dominica is a joke and a disgrace! All they care about is feathering their own nests, corruption, neglect, violating young girls, total debauchery shame on all of you. If you believe in God then start praying because a lot of you are bound for hell!!! So glad I do not live in Dominica. God help all you Dominicans.