The Dominica Hotel & Tourism Association (DHTA) welcomes the restoration of night landing and applauds the use of renewable energy technology at the Douglas Charles Airport. So far, WINAIR and Seaborne Airlines have utilized the airport for night landing, following approval from the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation (ECCA).
The new night landing facilities and same-day scheduling options will improve air access into Dominica and positively impact the tourism sector, especially during the peak tourist arrival season. Further, the use of solar lights demonstrates Dominica’s commitment to be a leader in renewable energy in the Caribbean region.
DHTA wishes to commend Dominica Air and Sea Ports Authority (DASPA) and the Government of Dominica for their efforts in the restoration of night landing and all aspects of airport infrastructure and sustainability post Tropical Storm Erika. DHTA also wishes to acknowledge the Discover Dominica Authority and the Ministry of Tourism & Urban Renewal for their support of the renewable energy solution and efforts in securing commitments from the relevant authorities and travel partners to continue to improve access into Dominica.
“The restoration of Douglas Charles Airport after Tropical Storm Erika and now the resumption of night landing was no easy task, and I believe surpassed expectations in terms of timing. The fact that the latter was done using renewable energy is very progressive and bodes well for the Nature Island,“ says DHTA President, Gregor Nassief. “The task at hand now is for us to work together to ensure LIAT restores its service to pre-Erika levels in order to boost stay-over arrivals to the destination and to continue the hard work of securing better and more convenient air access options with our airline partners and surrounding hubs.”
Commenting on the solar powered lights, DHTA Executive Vice President, Stephanie Astaphan says, “DHTA sees green energy as a cornerstone of Dominica’s tourism infrastructure. Renewable energy initiatives, such as the solar lighting project, align naturally with Dominica’s promotion as a sustainable eco-tourism destination and have the potential to play a significant role in reducing operational costs to hoteliers and tourism service providers.” Ms. Astaphan adds, “Encouraging sustainable practices in energy and other industries, including agriculture, will yield economic benefits and further cement Dominica’s reputation as an eco-friendly destination and encourage increased visitor arrivals. The Association will continue to advocate for fiscal incentives for investment in renewable energy technology across the board.”
DHTA looks forward to more focused attention from the public and private sector on renewable energy initiatives that will stimulate the economy and create more opportunities for our tourism industry.
Make more airlines come to dominica
Dear all, once again another excuse on government behalf of not building an international airport for the people of Dominica. the prime minister said just before Erika that a group of investors would build, run and maintain an airport, did they change their mind? can he tell us what is going on please.. DOMINICA IS LOOSING OUT ON ALOT. when is the so call airport starting?, the prime minister ran and rename the airport at Marigot hoping to fool people even more so if an airport would start it would be after his name, and the 2 name ones would go out of the window as there would no longer be use for their names,, smart move….
Roseau needs to get a face lift as sooner as possible, people are fed up of having the city of Roseau looking so RUN DOWN. What about the money the government of kuwait gave Dominica for redoing the city side walks and roads after the water and sewage was over gone?.
This is good news. LIAT needs to cooperate accordingly.
What a major achievement in such a short space of time. Well done!
Please can we have a comment from LIAT.
The proof is in the use of the airport at night times by the airlines serving Dominica. Right now, LIAT has only one daily flight from the Barbados hub to Dominica, and it comes through Antigua! Once upon a time, without night landing facilities, LIAT used to have 8 daily flights serving the Dominica route from Barbados. The number was reduced to 5 then to 3 now 1.
Good point Mr Norris, Liat don’t seams to care about Dominica.
Dominica is loosing tens of millions of dollars in potential visits to the island. Every year during so called busy seasons and non busy season you cannot find flights to Dominica. If the those responsible for tourism are or income from tourism are serious they will rectify this issue.
A 737 should be able to make landing in Dominica,A flight from Miami and New York City would be a great idea to have a tleast one flight per week from each city, They should try work on that if they really want to see tourism flown to Dominica, That would be a good investment.
Technically, some versions of the 737 could land at the Douglas-Charles airport.
I myself would not feel comfortable landing via 737 on a runway less than 6,000 feet positioned between a mountainous valley.
Idiots look at Antigua airport geez
please stop lying to us dominicans,
please say something about an international airport.
so mr.prime minister,you have no intention of building an international airport. that was justb election gimmicks.and some foolish dominicans are saying that dominica doesn’t need an inetrnational airport.
DNO please keep me connected, you are doing a great job. my friend until we stop traveling on LIAT they will continue to give DA second class service. Since the leaders of DA is unable to command them let us encourage WIN AIR and Seborne for help. I am sure the potos will agree.
Sorry Thank You
Did anybody tell LIAT?
still poor will remain poor you can fly 3 times to london round trip from san juan with the cost of a ticket to dominica from sanjuan Terrible please not dominica was type in small letters small minded scared authorities ……
they make all wrong decision
We in Europe Need to know when is liat staring night landing . This is one of the first airline that should made a statement on landing schedule. We need to know why have they not made a public announ cement on timetable about night landing in Dominica.
LIAT will be having an evening flight from Antigua from dec 28th. flight is already loaded in the system for booking.
Above comment I agree with what you said I have asked my travel agent the same question i was told there was no word from Liat yet.
DNO can you please give us updated lightening of the airport. Stop showing this past photo of the light.
You may not post this as it is putting you straight.
ADMIN: If we had, we would.
Dear Minister of Tourism, Please call Gregor Nassief every morning and ask him what you should be doing today. As far as I can see, he is the only person in Dominica who “gets” what is important to tourists.