Director of Tourism, Colin Piper, has said that Dominica’s tourism product is bouncing back following the impact of Tropical Storm Erika in August 2015.
Speaking at the World Travel Market, now taking place in London, he said the storm had left an uncertainty in the marketplace about Dominica being ready to host visitors.
However, he said the uncertainty has subsided.
He also noted that the advertisements after the storm and the promotion from the Seeking Adventurers Campaign have begun bearing fruit.
“We are starting to see more and more people coming in. We definitely expect to have a better fourth quarter, and we are looking forward to this fourth quarter kick-starting the high season and moving us into the first quarter next year,” he said.
Piper went on to say that focus is being placed on the source markets where access is readily available.
“There is no point in advertising where people will have problems coming into the island,” he said.
He pointed out that promotional opportunities have “dispelled the rumours and uncertainty as to Dominica being ready and willing to host any visitors.”
Changes have been made to the overall representation of Dominica on the part of the source markets, where “new and different things are being made,” he said.
“We are undertaking a brand order and looking at a rebranding/repositioning and the results from that will come to market from January 2017,” Piper explained.
He concluded that this idea is coming out of a tourism policy which provides an outline that has acted as a guide in moving forward. He stated the term ‘Nature Isle’ is almost “tied to the hip” when it comes to Dominica and that ‘nature’ in the context of Dominica will remain and will be “positively exploited in different ways.”
He said over the last two years, the marketing budget has been doubled and efficient and effective spending is priority, so as to “increase the awareness of the destination.”
Talk to drivers to drive cautiously and be careful when they are transporting tourists to those sites.
Who do you want to fool?
Yes Colin Piper – pipe up with some figures.
Tell us how much money has poured into Dominica this year from tourism.
$50,000?
$20,000?
$10,000?
Give us some facts, not baloney please!
Who do you want to fool ?
So Mr. Piper we cleaning up the city first Na? please please please. we at you all mercy.
Really ? I think it’s time you stepped down and let someone with travel experience, vision and enthusiasm take over.
Colin, have a science background and should know that without supporting data such statements are meaningless. Gives us the figures and don’t treat all of us like dummies. Don’t become like the P.M. and be factual.
“Colin Piper says tourism is bouncing back”
Yeah, bouncing back like a bad check!
Mr.Piper it would be prudent that you provide statically information to support your statement.
You are in an international arena talking on our tourism bouncing back with no statistics to represent the improvement you are alluding to….
In the absence of stats we are left to question the quality of your comments…..That is unacceptable as you hold this position for numerous years.
Ok so more ships are scheduled this year over last year but the BIG question is; What benefits will be derived from the increase in numbers? Partner, I guarantee you after they see the condition of the capital they will not return and for each 1 who is dissatisfied the trickle effect/ multiplier will be at least 4 who intended to visit will no longer come.
America just showed us in Dca what to do when we don’t trust politicians…fire them and bring in new blood.
Always Assertive!
Who tells you that we are expecting more ships this season than last? Give us the comparative figures bro. and you may be surprised.
I wonder what visitors think of the country now that it has become a missing persons/body fished out of water/shallow grave with body state. ..
Really what will people think about the place.
The leaders really needs to adress the matters..
It us sickening.
Mr. Piper can you please clarify specifically what these “source markets” are. We are simple people and do not really understand that marketing jargon. Which markets have you targeted. Thank you.
where and when.. alu doe tired lie for people