The Discover Dominica Authority took the initiative and invited the presidents and representatives of various sporting organizations and associations to a Sports Tourism meeting on Thursday October 13, 2011.
Individuals from the Dominica Olympic Committee, Sports Division, Dominica Bridge Association, Dominica Boxing Association, Dominica Squash Association, Dominica Basketball Association, Dominica Table Tennis Association, and Dominica Purple Dragon convened at the Discover Dominica Authority office to discuss various matters towards the development of Sports Tourism on the island.
“It is without a doubt that Sports Tourism is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing sectors in the international travel and tourism industry and we hope that you (the associations and clubs) will work with us (the DDA) in ensuring that this committee is formed and becomes a success,” were the words of CEO/Director of Tourism, Mr. Colin Piper to the group gathered.
The objectives of the meeting were to develop a calendar of sporting events, to identify the greatest challenges being faced by the various sporting disciplines and to develop ways to assist in the marketing of the events, locally, regionally and internationally. Discussion ensued about the venue for hosting events, hospitality and services received and accommodation during the various events.
The DDA pledged to assist in whatever capacity that is possible particularly in working with the private sector. All participants were pleased with the initiative, the dialogue of the initial meeting and collectively agreed that it was “long overdue but it has happened”.
Resulting from this meeting, plans are afoot to develop a Sports Tourism strategy and a Sports Tourism Steering Committee was formed.
I would also like to know if the Dominica Football Association was invited or not. Did they attend the meeting and if not why.
Stakeholders in cricket would like to know whether Mr. Emmanuel Nanthan the President of the Dominica Cricket Association (DCA), President of the Windward Islands Cricket Board and A Director on the West Indies Cricket Board was invited and attended? If not why not?
Cricket, without any doubt has been over the past five years the greatest contributor to Sports Tourism in Dominica.
Stakeholders in cricket would like to know whether Mr. Emmanuel Nanthan the President of the Dominica Cricket Association (DCA), President of the Windward Islands Cricket Board and A Director on the West Indies Cricket Board was invited and attended? If not why not?
Cricket, without any doubt has been over the past five years the greatest contributor to Storts Tourism in Dominica.
that’s very interesting indeed my brother, Mr. Piper you are surely doing a good job. Congrats to you, i must add though , that we need a stadium built in Ports-Mouth and a race tract.some permanent venue for festival.
Dominica has surely been making stride in sports lately, and we must find ways to build on that and keep the young people involved in a positive way.
Great initiative, but as one of the comments indicated, the facilities are of critical importance.Moreover,this move is being done when there is not an abundance of talent in the respective sproting disciplines say like about 15-25 years ago.
Why was not the Cricket Association part of this meeting.And why was not Goodwill Ambassador and ICC Elite Umpire Billy Doctrove our greatest asset in International Promotion of our country not involved in this meeting?
i’m sorry about that.. but It is SAD to see that cricket isn’t mentioned in this
The reason is,the Dominica Cricket Association did not see it fit to attend the meeting,a meeting to which they were invited.
The DCA is not interested in anything in which they do not have a direct benefit.
Its to see that cricket isn’t mentioned in this
I like the direction. Can they also include motorsports.
Well when we have the facilities to host events I would take this meeting seriously. 21st Century and we don’t an athletic stadium, an in door stadium neither for basketball nor volleyball. There is no pool for swimming.
Sports men and women are not taking seriously in this country and we want to invest in sports tourism.
With all do respect go back to ministry of sports, public works and the PM and tell them invest the millions in this cause you believe in sports tourism.
Mr Piper seems to b very creative and innovative, hope that all stakeholders come onboard and that the efforts bare fruits. lets b optimistic.