The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Discover Dominica Authority, is taking significant strides to strengthen Dominica’s accommodation sector through a new initiative aimed at enhancing competitiveness, improving guest experiences, and increasing operational efficiency among local establishments. Known as the Package Development Consultancy, this project was launched in December 2024 and is spearheaded by tourism consultant Josea Browne from Rude Theory, shared a press release from the DDA.
The organization asserts that the initiative is well-aligned with the island’s ambition to establish itself as a leading sustainable and experiential travel destination.
Since its inception, Browne has reportedly already collaborated with 36 property owners, completing site visits to more than 10 accommodations to gain valuable insights and tailor support according to the unique needs of the sector. As part of this initiative, a seminar took place on March 26 at the Goodwill Parish Hall, which drew in 54 accommodation owners and prospective investors. This gathering provided a platform for insightful presentations on various topics such as industry trends, guest demographics, third-party booking platforms, revenue management, operational improvements, and marketing strategies. Representatives from the National Bank of Dominica, the Aid Bank, and the Small Business Unit also contributed by discussing financing opportunities, fiscal incentives, and important licensing requirements.
The consultancy aims to equip accommodation providers with practical strategies that cover critical areas such as property assessment, package pricing, targeted marketing, operational enhancements, customized action plans, ongoing evaluation, and opportunities for long-term growth.
“This consultancy represents a significant step in elevating the standards and profitability of Dominica’s accommodations,” remarked Odile Jno Baptiste, Product Development Manager at Discover Dominica Authority. The press release explained that the initial focus on Nature Island Standards of Excellence (NISE)-certified properties will gradually extend to include smaller accommodations and vacation rentals, ensuring comprehensive impact across the tourism landscape.
A primary goal of the seminar was to collect stakeholder feedback to inform a policy paper aimed at proposing concessions that would spur vacation rental development. Officials revealed that this is part of the government’s ongoing commitment “to developing the island’s accommodation offerings, improving the visitor experience and reinforcing Dominica’s standing as a top destination for responsible tourism.”
Listen to Odile Jno Baptiste below:
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