The governments of Dominica and Barbados have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing the appeal of both destinations and developing new vacation experiences for global travelers.
The agreement was formalized at the Hilton Barbados Resort on October 1, 2025, during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), a premier regional event focused on tourism development.
Marva Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), announced the partnership, emphasizing its strategic importance.
“The government of Dominica and Barbados through its destination marketing arm, the Discover Dominica Authority and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. respectively have entered into a memorandum of understanding to cement a step towards strengthening the appeal of both countries to promote sustainable tourism and to develop new vacation experiences for travelers,” Williams stated.
She explained that the MOU establishes a joint framework for cooperation, with a strong emphasis on marketing, knowledge sharing, idea exchange, and enhancing the visitor experience across both destinations.
A DDA release shared that the MOU outlines several core initiatives, including:
- Developing and promoting multi-destination packages that showcase Dominica’s and Barbados’s distinct cultural, eco-tourism, adventure, and wellness offerings.
- Enhancing air and cruise connectivity to facilitate smooth travel between the islands.
- Engaging in media exchanges, familiarization tours, joint training, and public relations activities to elevate their global profiles.
- Sharing expertise in sustainable tourism practices and product development to ensure benefits extend to local communities and protect the environment.
Williams noted that the timing of the agreement aligns with growing interest in Caribbean travel from key markets such as Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Latin America.
“This collaboration is especially timely as the Caribbean continues to attract travelers… who are seeking diverse and enriching unique experiences,” she said.
To ensure the effective implementation of the MOU, a joint working group will be formed.
“The intention is to monitor the development of a detailed action plan to ensure that the partnership achieves its objectives, to provide biannual progress, to optimize where needed, and to ensure that the economic value is seen for both countries,” Williams added.
She also highlighted the broader regional significance of the agreement, linking it to the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s “Re-imagine Tourism” initiative.
“Dominica and Barbados will be shining examples of what it is to stand as a unified front to speak and to take into action that one sea, one voice, one Caribbean initiative,” Williams stated.
Officials noted that this new MOU continues the tradition of regional cooperation, enhancing their appeal to long-haul visitors, offering travelers the chance to explore the region’s rich diversity in a single trip, said the release.
Andrea Franklin, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, remarked, “When it comes to attracting airlift to the region, it’s vital that we stop viewing ourselves as individual countries competing for flights. Instead, we must work together to bring more airlift into the Caribbean. If Barbados serves as the hub, we should channel that connectivity to our sister islands, like Dominica, ensuring all destinations benefit,” Franklin explained.
She added, “Dominica may see Barbados as a tourism ‘grandparent,’ but there’s so much we can learn from each other. Barbados is proud to be the premier home port cruising destination in the region and we see this as an opportunity to attract more business to neighbouring islands as well,” Franklin said.
Williams echoed Franklin’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the strong bilateral relationship to generate economic benefits.
“This collaboration is part of a larger conversation, and we look forward to learning from Barbados to increase awareness and stimulate economic growth for both nations,” she said. “It’s not just about tourism; we also see opportunities in other sectors like manufacturing. Improving air access is essential so our people can move around the Caribbean efficiently and effectively.”
Meanwhile, Graham Clarke, BTMI’s Director for the Caribbean concluded, “This collaboration with the Nature Isle adds a unique dimension to the Barbados tourism product, and we believe Dominica will benefit in the same way.”
Audio announcement from Marva Williams:
Ross was tourism you ready to send it back all these big building apartments are closed in Picard they are owing the National Commercial Bank of Dominica the band the government still asking guaranteed loans to this bank (WHAT TOURISM???? )this country is being used to benefit mafias , oligarchs, Chinese and other Caribbean islands but not Dominica and Dominicans, we were the only country in that CBI program that they were forging our passports because that government so stupid but still labor is the best choice, the rod is for the backs of the stupid ones dominicans allu have good blows to take under that government
I don’t know how you can reach a definition of sustainable tourism that includes cruise ships and long haul flights. More hot air to add to the already potent mix.
I do not understand how an educated man like Dr.MEME cannot make the majority of Dominicans see his wisdom and wizardry.I mean therefore the majority think he is a JACK MEME remind me of a guy who came from England.The guy was always dressed in a suit,and always varying a suit case,every day he use to stand by the Royal Bank look out to sea.I later understood he was waiting to see his wife come on a boat from England.He died waiting,after waiting for years,I think he was called Harold MACKAK.For years MEME is talking the same bull over and over like a stuck 33rmp 1960 record” come let us go Sukl”Some people,the older they get is more foolish they become.
Where is Ross University?????
Was there an MOU for the 40 years old educatiional institution, Ross University, to settle in Barbados? This movement of Ross from Dominica to Barbados was the greatest piece of incompetence, laziness and abuse exhibited by any head of government anywhere in CARICOM.
Caricom leaders realize that Skerrit is the most buffoonic regional leader, so the dimwit is being played like a puppet on a red string.
Talking about MOU, can you all remember when tete KALBASS Austrie told Skerrit fools at Lagon, Roseau, that he and Skerrit negotiated 19 hours on the trot with a room filled with Chinese high ranking negotiators? No food, no water, no wasroom break, no breakfast, no lunch, etc😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄😄, the two empty headed fools were just negotiating in Chinese?
Anyway some Dominicans foolish we, to let an empty headed liar like Skerrit and a foul tongue dimwit who called himself a dog (rotweiler), fool them. Awa man !
MEME
the masterplan is coming crystal clear now.well done ,but some ain’t gonna like it .lol