Dominica among the 25 least visited countries on earth

Dominica is not known as a traditional 'sand, sun and  sea' destination. Here is a section of Soufriere in the south
Dominica is not known as a traditional ‘sand, sun and sea’ destination. Here is a section of Soufriere in the south

Dominica has been listed among the 25 least visited countries on earth by media and travel website garfors.com.

The list was compiled using data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), newspapers and independent travel reports and uses stay over visits as the basis for its ranking.

Dominica was listed at number 25.

Data from the Discover Dominica Authority has also revealed that the island does not have a large volume of visitors, with only 78,955 stay overs coming in 2012.

The highest number of stay over arrivals occurred in 2006 when 84,000 came to the island.

It dropped to as low as 73,000 in 2011, according to the UNWTO.

So what is are the reasons for such a low rate of visitors to Dominica?

Garfors.com pointed to two glaring reasons. “The island nation is rather small without too many tourist facilities,” the site pointed out.

The second reason is the lack of proper air access. “The only commercial airport cannot handle big aircraft, so the nation is served by propellor planes only,” the site stated.

But according to Garfors.com Dominica is worth visiting because of the rain forest which “provides refuge for a great number of birds and animals. And the rural feel of the island nation makes it feel anything but touristy, exactly what you may be looking for.”

The low volume of visitors to Dominica is an issue that has not escaped the attention of the local travel industry. Consultants who attended a recently held tourism summit here said Dominica must increase its stay over visitors to 90,000 by 2015 if it is to remain sustainable in the tourism industry.

“Collectively, destination Dominica needs to be moving in one direction and that direction is for 90,000 stay over visitors by 2015. That requires us to grow by 7 percent per year, which is a tough target…” Director of Tourism, Colin Piper, said,

Other least visited countries on the list include Chad, Sierra Leone, Marshall Islands, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, North Korea and Libya.

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199 Comments

  1. I'm speaking
    April 8, 2014

    Let’s see, homophobic,

    always in the media for some weird fundamentalists bull.

    not to mention the people are rude and way too aggressive.

    Dominica is ideal for eco tourism, so much to explore, the food is cheap AND GREAT and the hotels are… the hotels are superb.

    but people can find that everywhere , what people need are people that aren’t scary and high off their jesus fumes.

    you can be christians, devout and what not. but continue to shove your bottle necked visions down people’s throats, and less and less people will want to come to your island.

  2. Cleanbowled
    April 5, 2013

    If Dominica wishes to attract more tourists and tourist dollars, pounds, euros, francs, marks, etc, we will have to invest heavily to improve access, convenience, hospitality and level of service. We are undoubtedly a beautiful, pristine and unique destination. However, we must think and work hard to in order to meet the difficult challenges of elevating our island to the level of world class tourist destination while being goods stewards in preserving natural and unspoiled assets. If we truly want to be serious and viable player in the tourism game, doing nothing or a token effort will not be enough. Remember most tourist are making an investment in leisure, enjoyment, fun, and relaxation when they plan a trip. I believe the quality of our tourism product and service will always be the biggest advertisement for Dominica.

  3. Doug
    April 5, 2013

    As a visitor to your island, there are some things I’d like to say:

    When people go on vacation, the GOOD things need to outweigh the BAD things if they are going to come back or recommend it to their friends, co-workers etc.

    You don’t want to be like other places, with huge resorts, casinos, etc. You want to be Dominica, the Nature Island, so you will attract the kind of tourist that enjoy the nature and won’t change your way of life.

    Part of the charm of people vacationing in Dominica is flying in on a small prop plane and staying at small hotels or guest houses. You do not need a bigger airport, your government has been wasting money on that for years and probably pocketing most of it. You do not need huge hotels, there are many nice small places to stay and more of those will be created as demand increases. Your roads are way better than alot of places.

    The main thing that keeps people away is that the BAD things outweigh the GOOD so they don’t come back and don’t recommend it. The BAD things are:

    Fear of your dictator government with questionable friends.

    Fear of the murder and crime we read about, your police are pathetic.

    Fear of comments like “botowa” that whites are devils. If people are afraid, it won’t matter if you have big airport, huge resorts, casinos, jazz bands, new roads, they still not coming.

    Rude people and bad service at airport, car rental, etc. don’t help

    If you get a real government that isn’t trying to hord it all for themselves, get real police, and have a better attitude towards the eco tourists that have gone through a great deal of expense and extra travel to get to your little island. Those brave tourists will have a good time AND feel safe, they will tell their friends back home and the next year you will have 7% more visitors.

  4. ManhattanCiti
    April 4, 2013

    Building an International Airport wont solve the issues, Look at St.Croix, they have an International Airport, there are hardly any flights coming in and out of the Island, and there are not enough Hotels for Tourists, and they’re American territory for crying out Loud!! It all starts with the Local Government People!!

  5. Anonymous
    April 4, 2013

    What is wrong with Dominica the way it is? Do you really want to be like the rest of the world, a concrete jungle eviroment? This results in more crime and angry unhappy people. We just need to use our resources to support or own and a few visitors that have a vested interest in Dominica. I love promoting the arts, Creole Festivale, Creole Jazz etc. Some nice hotels strategically located will also help. Place them where they are accessible. Have live jazz and music so that when people visit they can enjoy. Nice restaurants will also help. Promote peace and love as our tourism motto.

  6. W Ronny
    April 4, 2013

    So Dominicans needed a travel website gafors to tell them that they REALLY need an international airport for any type of economical development?

    How many Caribbean islands are there presently without an international airport?

    Our leaders and people in power need to invest wisely and realize that Agriculture and Tourism is the way Forward. Once we stabilize our agriculture and tourism sectors, believe me everything else will follow suite.

    We need to export more than we import. We need to make use of the raw materials that we have and to start manufacturing. Mr Mackenzie is an excellent example of that with making toilet paper, we need more minds like to come up with new ideas, we cant just sit there and remain consumers.
    Its the basic commonsense for everything in life.. you cant spend what u don’t have, sooner or later you are bound to find yourself in trouble

    Tourism is an industry which has ALOT of money in it. And we need to be more assertive and do something to get some of that money for ourselves.

    Do you know how many people travel each year across the world? looking for excitement, fun, and Adventure. Dominica has so much beauty and untapped resources.
    We need to get ourselves out there. Once we can get ourselves on the map we are bound to get visitors flocking in wanting a taste of our islands forests and fresh water. However its important to invest..
    I totally agree with all the points that Nvestor made earlier and especially the one where he states that building costs go up each year, so why wait for later?

    and apart from an international airport has anyone considered a seaport? I mean a real one!

    We need one where 4-5 ships can dock and allow tourist to come and explore… don’t you think that once we have a good seaport that the withdrawing of sea line cruises would stop, and more cruise lines want dock here..

    We need to spend to make..
    AGRI and TOURISM the way to go!

  7. April 4, 2013

    DNO is always negative when it comes to DCa. Why not post an article highlighting the areas we can improve on to get us out of this low ranking, instead of highlighting solely our faults? we are a small developing island sate and am sure we’ll move up this ladder. Shame on you DNO for constantly crying down our nation.

    • Anonymous
      April 5, 2013

      The faults ARE the areas to improve on. That’s why they are faults, because they need improvement. Jeez you people can’t be this deluded.

  8. layover
    April 4, 2013

    Not a surprise. First of all you tell people you are from Dominica and they think you are spanish… second the government dont care all they want to do is make their pockets fats. St.Lucia has huge billboards advertising their island in th USA. Dominica will not always remain the last cackerratt then…

    • Yes I
      April 4, 2013

      I agree with the international promotion. This is seriously lacking. I know TV ads cost Millions in 1st world, but they are ways to get free publicity. Look at the Famous Bachelorette/Bachelor show on ABC. All this trips are sponsors fully by the tourist Boards of the visiting countries. Why? Because Millions of people watches the show and the Tourist boards know the rewards they will reap.

      After the US TV shows that include international travel look at the credits. You will see the Tourist boards of those Nations sponsors the living expense, airfare etc.. for the cast and crew.

      We need to get on board. Get DOminica on one of these shows.

      Get Bill boards up. Create value added coupons. For example, increase the local tourist attraction site admission prices and then offer an rebate coupon to visitors. Advertise that. People see it as a savings while really it is a mark up then mark down deal. Its done everyday in sales. Lets get with the program. By so doing visitors my ignore a higher airfare…

      Lets get creative…

  9. April 4, 2013

    I will not doubt the article.
    I fill so bad when in 2013 so many people still do not know where Dominica is situated,let alone, whether there is a place called by that name.
    When I travel on the trains in New York,I would sometimes see posters on sites of various caribbean countries,Barbados,Trinidad,Jamaica,even St.Lucia,Grenada.
    Never have I seen one of Dominica..
    No doubt..How sad…

  10. Coming soon
    April 4, 2013

    I think we complain because we are conditioned to do so. I was home on Vacation at the local shop. (Thats the hangout spot, playing dominos and stuff, political chats, i enjoyed it)

    So this Lady started up critiquing the govt. She had so much to say in light of our need for international airport. Surprisingly enough, she was interrupted by this older man saying she had never been on a plane, never been on a boat, has never left Da.

    But my people, she had so much to say regarding LIAT and poor service and no direct flights, I thought the lady was speaking from experience. The people at the shop laughed to such, I had such a great time I made drinks for everyone. (besides the point)

    The point is, everyone has an opinion, but not every opinion is warranted. I travel home at least once a yr , sometimes twice and I don’t complain about connections. I connect in Barbados. Its easy. And you can connect in Barbados direct from LOndon, Newyork, Miami, Atlanta and Toronto.

    So what’s all the complaining about? One day we will have an international airport, but for now lets forcus on emergency services, road networks, hotels, a broader tax base, and educated solid workforce, a larger private sector, maintaining and reducing our energy costs, entertainment, and maintaining our safe island.

    The airport will come.

    But for Dominicans living abroad, i strongly suggest to visit the “rum shops” or village shops” , on your next visit, its an entertaining way to connect with your people, and the jokes are better than on def comedy jam. Kevin Hart and those famous comedians can get serious competion from our village rum shop folks.

    Airport will come

    • Anonymous
      April 5, 2013

      “but for now lets forcus on emergency services, road networks, hotels, a broader tax base, and educated solid workforce, a larger private sector, maintaining and reducing our energy costs, entertainment, and maintaining our safe island.”

      Correction – before all this we have to make sure the high class state house is built to accommodate the man who holds quite possibly (in my opinion) the most useless official position in the country.

  11. TOMA
    April 3, 2013

    DNO i hit you sometimes when i think you are biased, and you know that you sometimes are, however i quite understand why you didnt publish some of my comments yesterday and you are right.
    Some of what i said were harsh, but i cant stand by to hear outsiders bash our little country like those people did.
    There are many visitors who came and love DA for what it is,yes we need more development and its about time that we get some that are really need.
    But i think there is a better way for them to make recommendations than to think that we are low class people.
    This one time i am going to support you not publishing my comments, but i’ll be looking for you when my comments are right.
    To those haters of DA we are blessed with an island like ours, because thats where REAL freedom is.
    To those in authority, i would like to suggest that more attention should be paid to the REAL NEEDS of the people and the country on a whole. That all foolishness and pettiness be put aside and listen to your poeple.
    Remember for the people, by the people

    ADMIN: You comments were rejected because they were in ALL CAPS. As long your your comments are in that form, they won’t be published. Now this one is in lower caps, so it is published. Read the disclaimer.

  12. sexydude
    April 3, 2013

    I can’t stress enought that the government needs to do a lot more to improve the island in regards to tourism .I’ve been involve in this industry for 17yrs traveling for years because of the job that I do ,seen a lot of islands and countries and we do have a lot to offer but we don’t know how .So much money is being wasted by our government which should have been put into tourism which I’m sure we would profit from in the long run .We are called NATURE ISLAND but our own people are distroying everything don’t you know there are so many countries that would die for what we have .

  13. muneca gorda
    April 3, 2013

    When our state house finish build more tourists will come..infact is bus load of tourist that passing on bus to come and see our state house. We will be filled with national pride. Our PM that say that.

  14. Homeboy
    April 3, 2013

    What do we expect:
    (1). It costs and ” arm and a leg” to get to the island
    (2) no direct flights- getting their is a hassle
    (3) and the people are happy with a strip.

    50 years from now we will still be having the same discussion, while other governments invest in their infrastructure, i.e runways that can accommodate LARGE JETS. We are still talking about ” costs”. Every year the construction costs become more expensive!!!
    Do it! Make DA the # 1 visited Eco tourist spot in the world.

    • Homeboy
      April 3, 2013

      Hotel chains will come if there is the potential. Another important point other bloggers posted is the current state of garbage, clearly visible in public places/ tourists sites. Come on!!!

      And what a waste of money this State House for 1 man. Eh beh. Nous fini batte!

  15. papa met
    April 3, 2013

    leave our sweet dominica *under visited* and *under tainted* thank you.we love our unpoilt nature isle we are a happy people merci!

    • Orchid
      April 5, 2013

      How many people do you employ by the way, when our hoteliers are pulling out their hair to pay their staff, are you going to visit with a bag load of cash to help out? .How many young people will you hire as there are no job? This is such a naive statement and ignorant statement it is not funny

  16. Loyal
    April 3, 2013

    Creating the balance between revenue and expense will take us to the next level. Education will create the right manpower. It has to start somewhere; open up, convince lenders using reasonable and robust business plans, implement the right projects carefully. After creating consistent income streams, tick your priorities one after the other and move them to “Accomplished”. It’s ok not to have a high tech international airport or a hub airport or an airport that can receive A380 and Dreamliners but it isn’t right or even fair for the coming generation to be in 2013 and we are still arguing about the importance of proper airport. as we speak, some countries are negotiating to build bases to launch touristic flights to the outer space and we don’t have what they had 100 years ago.

  17. April 3, 2013

    I have thought long and hard before commenting on this article knowing that my comment may generate dislikes from Dominicans, but as an investor in Dominica myself with plans of retirement there, I would like to propose what I see as a deterent to Dominica improving its image to the world at large. It isn’t one thing, but a collection of things.

    1. International Airport that is close to its Capital City Roseau. Invest in Canefield. Even the most impoverished country in the Western Hemisphere, Haiti, has this.
    2. Infrastructure – Roads to International Standards. Everyone who visits the country cite the roads as unsafe, scarry and poorly maintained.
    3. Its own citizens leave for work in other countries. Tourism brings jobs and hard currency that would allow an airport upgrade and better roads and employ its local citizens.
    4. Master Planning and zoning. To keep the island unspoiled, zone areas for high density hotels or development, especially around its beaches.
    5. Improved access to its beaches. The beaches in Calibishie are an asset that is mostly overlooked. The roads down to them are merely foot paths.
    6. Hospitality – I have only been to 3 countries that charge a fee to leave (Zambia, Ecuador and Dominica). My job travels, and I have been to 38 countries. Only these three charge you to leave that I’ve been to. The airport terminal is not an inviting place, and the people working there tend to be rude. I know, I have experienced this and if you look at Trip Advisor, many, many others say the same thing.
    7. Reality – Dominica has many gorgeous natural treasures, and why I bought there. However, it takes money, tourism to keep them up. For example, the Arial Tram closed due to the lack of tourism. Hotels bring people, restaurants, entertainment, but it employs people, locals.
    8. The Status Quo – It is good to love one’s country. It is good to keep things pristine and untouched. But the fact that Dominicans are leaving to find jobs, shows there is a need to balance those goals.
    9. Advertise, advertise. I see TV ads here in the States for most of the islands, but not Dominica. You offer more than them.
    10. Lastly, news travels. The Dominica PM is seen aligning the island with the likes of China, Venezuela, Ecuador and sees itself ranked down with those countries. Ironically, it isn’t travellers from those countries coming to visit you. It is the Americans and Europeans who visit, but they see news like this and stay away.

    Now, I know I will get a lot of dislikes, but take an honest assessment and see it as an outsider would see it. I love Dominica and its people and would do anything to help and promote it. But collectively we must see where improvements can be made and work towards them.

    • toma
      April 3, 2013

      thank you, you are a wonderful and smart person, very positive and constructive thank you

    • Anonymous
      April 3, 2013

      These observations/comments are quite accurate and insightful!

    • Truth
      April 3, 2013

      Well said.

    • Lim Stne
      April 3, 2013

      Very well thought out and stated… a US citizen,I have lived on Dominica for a number of years… Dominica is an incredible special place to me and I ache that more can’t have the experience that I provide my guests… unfortantly, the powers that be and the tourism know how on the island is incredibly lacking… they just don’t get it… I’ve done a lot of observation and research to the point on island and in the US… it does not have to be so difficult…. Amazingly 7 of the top 10 eco travel agencies in the US no nothing of Dominica yet, they have opportunities going to like places further away…. those 3 that list Dominica as a destination… just window dressing on their sites… when spoken to personally, they could answer NO questions about the island or what it offers… Dominica would never be spoild by an influx of tourism; if dealt with properly, only improved!

    • Creole!!
      April 3, 2013

      #6 Hospitality, not quite sure what you are trying to say here, but when you talk about “leave” I believe you are talking about departure Tax, many countries do have departure tax that is incorporated in the price of the ticket so this is hidden, please do some research on this, I have encountered same.

      Otherwise your comments holds substance.

    • Tyre hit de road
      April 3, 2013

      NVestor, I just have a few questions and statements for you. I notice you have 13 people that agree with what you said but I am your “Thumb Down” What kinds of Airport can you put in cane field? Do you know how unsafe Cane Field really is? The runway had to be aligned with the prevailing wind which is East-West. Not even Melville Hall Can accommodates a good international Airport fare less Cane Field! The only location would be in Wood ford Hill and that also is a difficult place to build. It would take a much larger amount of money there opposed to if it was at Windsor Park. Can’t you see the Windsor Park is already occupied? Dominica is the second most mountainous Place on Earth. What’s your reason for the Airport to be located near Roseau?? There is no need for Dominica to be advertised on TV in the USA where you see those Ads! The Internet is more than enough; maybe 15-20 years ago, not anymore. You may have spent most of your life in Roseau and USA and never visited anywhere else in Dominica because you are so busy being an investor in Roseau. I hope you are investing in growing crops too. Have you notice how difficult it really is to just keep the road sides in Dominica trimmed? Well of course not Roseau! Well I guess if the Airport was really in Roseau that would not matter to you because you would just jump in your Limousine and in 5 minutes you would be home in Center Roma. However, because of Dominica’s Rain forest/ fertile atmosphere it’s been very difficult and expensive to maintain proper Roads in Dominica. I blame the Governments past and present for not really shedding the light to our people of the real reasons why Dominica doesn’t have an International Airport and Better roads for such a long time. Its “EXPENSIVE” Do we really think the all Dominica’s Past and Present governments do not want an International Airport or Better roads? Now the roads are being redone and are better some are still not satisfied. You curse our Airport workers and say they are rude. I have seen worse rudeness outside Dominica and I have traveled very much like you. That statement is not accurate. Maybe when you try to talk down to workers at the Airport in Dominica they put you and others straight, when you travel you don’t see the need to talk down to foreigners! I hope we got a good debate going now. :wink:

      • Anonymous
        April 5, 2013

        “Dominica is the second most mountainous Place on Earth. ” – That comment was obvious nonsense at first glance but I did some research just to make sure that there was not the slightest hint of truth and so it is. There are countries with much more challenging geography and they have found ways to develop.

    • Indeed!
      April 3, 2013

      @ Nvestor

      I agree with you 100%.

      Someone in Dominica should print your list of ‘to dos’ and distribute it to everyone, including the people in charge there.

      I am a Dominican living abroad and I can attest to everything you said. I was one of those who left to work abroad years ago, not having a choice. I have been in the hotel and tourism industry for 8 years now and all that you’ve mentioned is factual. These things will happen only if the people and government are open to change.

  18. botowa
    April 3, 2013

    This is REALLY GOOD NEWS people. If we work hard and use the resources that we own, relying LESS on BEGGING we can really create a very happy form of existence like the natives did before the devil (whites) found them out.
    Look on the bright side!

  19. botowa
    April 3, 2013

    This is REALLY GOOD NEWS people.

  20. Anonymous
    April 3, 2013

    I suspect we will soon be rated as the #1 backward thinking country in the world.

  21. Parker
    April 3, 2013

    Dominica is a hidden Gem. Get the word out and eco tourists worldwide will be more than willing to come. advertise, promote, share, invite. a handful of organizations along can only get a message so far. we need all hands on deck for this one. It’s been in us from time to sit and wait for sumone to do something, but thats wht everyone does so nothing gets done. 98% of us have the means and privilages of promoting and advertising Dominica free of charge.

  22. Ridiculous
    April 3, 2013

    Of Course we are definitely going to be on the top 25. i’m even surprised we are at 25. This government is too busy brain washing the people of the country and not trying to develop the country. How ridiculous is it that St Lucia which is basically the same as us with mountains and all that stuff is such a huge tourism destination now and dominica still is lagging behind. The main problem in dominica is air access and it’s not even close! the fact that it has to take someone a whole day or more just to get into dominica is crazy. those of yall who don’t travel just shut up yall know nothing of it. but y’all will stay talking about mr skerro n how good he is. utterly ridiculous.

  23. My little country
    April 3, 2013

    I work with people from different countries in NY and just yesterday we were conversing and persons were saying where they were from when I said I was from Dominica one girl was so exited she said,’ I have been there it is so nice there,’ i felt so good, people we got a nice country be proud and promote it people will visit international or no international airport. I live here but my heart is home that’s where I spend my money, God bless my country.

    • Anonymous
      April 5, 2013

      Are you sure she wasn’t talking about dominican republic?

  24. Anonymous
    April 3, 2013

    I see other caribbean countries being marketed all the time on TV and in major train stations in London – that includes St. Lucia (among the more popular destinations like Barbados, Bahamas, ABC islands, Bermuda etc). Where is Dominica? No money, no money, no money. We still don’t know we have to spend to make. And yes, up to four days ago, I am still telling people that Dominican Republic is not Dominica. The island needs to be marketing, clearly stating in a humorous way or something that Dominica is different from the Dominican Republic.The guy sitting next to me in my office planned a holiday to the Dominican Republic, thinking i was from there. That was only in January. I personally think it can be marketed as Waitukubuli – this sounds more exotic anyhow.

  25. 4Eva Tru
    April 3, 2013

    what about a casino. huh that attracts plp from all over. Would you all want one? Drugs, prostitution and name it all.

    • Anonymous
      April 5, 2013

      Like those things don’t already exist in dominica? You all really believe this country is some kind of saintly paradise. As long as we live in denial things will never change

  26. PoKeSa
    April 3, 2013

    The underlying reasons for this are as follows:
    • Lack of air access – not having an international
    airport is a big drawback;
    • Lack of good hotels – the island possess nothing
    of international standard and of reasonable
    price;
    • Lack of entertainment, particularly in Roseau
    after 6:00pm – Roseau is a ghost town during
    such times and one really struggle to find the
    mere basic.

  27. wrong assessment
    April 2, 2013

    how did these people come up with their assessment? 70,000plus stayover visitors, 3,000 plus yachties, 200,000 plus cruise ship passengers… garfors go check your information. give us the formular you using to determine your rating… look like you using hotel rooms only…lol, you wrong… and ministry of tourism, dda and daspa like moomoo not saying nothing :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

  28. vex
    April 2, 2013

    dominica is a beautiful island and we have alot to offer the vistors. we are blessed with a lot of natural features that toursit will die for but we need someone to step up and put a real bias and island motivated plan together to help the industry. we will succed if we work together and put politics aside.this is a beautiful island and a lot of income can be made from tourism if we put the right ideas together.

  29. lolz
    April 2, 2013

    Fire all them tourism officials. Start with Douglas who is the most incompetent of them all. Colin and all others at Discover and Invest Dominica. They have demonstrated that absolutely nothing good is coming from their offices!!

  30. Enuff
    April 2, 2013

    Lybia?? Birds of a feather???

  31. G.A.
    April 2, 2013

    Compared to many countries Dominica has done quite well in the tourism industry this year.I am in the tourism business and compared to many small businesses much like me around the world, things are going okay for us.
    For all the people whining about the lack of an international airport, are you willing to put any money towards maintaining one ? Probably not, so who do you think is going to pay for it . They do not MAKE money you know, just cost money to run.
    The reason tourists come to Dominica is because it is small, pristine, FEW TOURISTS and QUIET.
    If you want to have 10 times the tourists here and you try to achieve that amount you will end up with nothing. Yo will have ruined the thing that attracts people to this island.
    Learn to understand that Dominica should not be courting tourism. It should accept the special type of tourist who wishes to embrace this island but let us realize our real potential.
    We need to build up our agriculture and fishing communities. Food is becoming one of the MOST important things in the world and we can supply the best.
    Let us focus on the important things. Food, fresh water and clean air. No one in the world can compete with us on these issues. Why don’t we realize this ?

    Tourism ? A nice third or fourth industry (if regulated properly)but don’t expect it or want it to be anything more.
    Let us put our major commitment into something that is important to the world and important to us ! Food, water, clean air,

    • vex
      April 4, 2013

      realy have you been to martinquest lucia antiqua st martin guaeloupe. this places have tourist every night on the streets dancing and spending money enjoying the island. what night life do we have for tourist, where are the sea front hotels where are fun tour sights where are fun shopping experience.

  32. Black Panther
    April 2, 2013

    We Dominicans still seem to be in a state of arguement as to what sort of country we want, like whether we want it to stay as is which is unspoilt or become a next USA or there about. Well we can’t have both, although am sure there are people who think they can have both. Culture will be lost alot, greenry, pride and religion. It would mean therefore selling our souls but then again some would agree for that and you can’t blame a man when he hungry.

  33. Channel 1
    April 2, 2013

    “The second reason is the lack of proper air access. “The only commercial airport cannot handle big aircraft, so the nation is served by propeller planes only,” the site stated.”

    That is the level of utter backwardness Dominicans continue to support and tolerate from Dominica’s most backward-thinking government ever. $100 million dollars wasted on an airport to continue to accommodate small propeller planes whereas other countries looking for ways to increase their passenger traffic by expanding their airports to accommodate more jumbo jets. But how can a people who claim to be “bright & smart”, be stuck in the forming the fool mode like dis?

    Labouuurrrrrrrrrrrrrr………………..

    • Reon
      April 2, 2013

      Well Said!!!
      It is mind bugling and truly sad that my people willingly refuse to see that Melvin Hall project as a fiasco. People whether you support the Labour party or not – be real!!! This government spent over $100 million dollars on Melvin hall airport with little or no return.
      An airport where feasibility studies had already confirmed that was not suitable for larger planes. Vincentian prime minister convinced Skerro that Dominica did not need an international airport while he was building one.
      This my people is one of the biggest mistakes by this administration
      Are my people more in love with Skerro and the Labour party than Dominica?

    • dominican born brits
      April 3, 2013

      my bro i love u,i would shake r hands.

  34. Leon
    April 2, 2013

    In a nutshell , I truly believe that the minister of tourism needs to be replaced . I personally think that he is incompetent , full of only talk and lacks tact and charm to be a key marketer to sell Dominica and its’ attributes . I say , get rid of Hon. Ian Douglas and maybe the PM should take up tourism .

    • Doc. Love
      April 2, 2013

      I totally agree with you Leon. In addition, the Min. of Sports should either be fired or resign for having our athletes sleeping on airports banches. The Minister of Agriculture should be fired because of the state of Agriculture in the country,can you imagine carrots have to ordered from Montserrat. The Minister of Finance should be fired for all the alleged corruption relating to the sales of Dominican Passports.

    • Determined
      April 2, 2013

      As if that would change anything…

    • Bushmaninda
      April 3, 2013

      It is the Minister of Finance who needs to be replaced. He maybe a good Prime Minister but he is deed a failed Finance Minister. Maybe if he leaves his ego at home he would a least defer the financial decisions to someone more experienced and competent in matters of growing a national economy. But maybe he is the most experienced and/or competent Dominican in that regard. If that is the case, one can then understand why things are the way they are.

    • Soldiers of Jah
      April 3, 2013

      Holy Emmanuel I.

      You see the amount of people who negged you, that is the reason why Dominica stays as it is. They don’t care about whether he can do the job, so long as he has the right name.

    • concerned
      April 3, 2013

      Should you be on the next list I will definitely vote you in as the next Tourism minister. Always knew you can do a better job.

  35. Dominican abroad
    April 2, 2013

    Hahaaha obviously. A prop plane to that place and a 2 day trip. Nopes. I pass too

    • xxx
      April 3, 2013

      you are funny, i had to laugh.

  36. Jbfox
    April 2, 2013

    I don’t think I size of the island has anything to do with the amount of people who visit the island,look at ST.Thomas it’s only 32 square miles and they get over a million visitors each year.The airport in ST.Thomas is not international but it’s a long range airport that can accommodate large airplanes.

  37. ok
    April 2, 2013

    WRONG CATEGORY WI!!! :lol:

    dominica should be ranked with islands, not countries. you mean we are to compete with china, dubai, and hawaii?

    stuppessss please. rate my country with islands

    • Ridiculous
      April 3, 2013

      you sound like a fool. shut it. lmao

    • queen bee
      April 3, 2013

      Why are we always in denial? If they rate us in islands we will still come out last

    • DJ
      April 3, 2013

      Hawaii is an Island. ie the Hawaiian Islands.

    • Malgraysa
      April 3, 2013

      OK then brother, let’s do it your way. Barbados is an island. It does not have the plentyful water we have, neither a rainforest, an emerald pool or a waterfall. It is only just over half the size of Dominica but here are the tourist figures for 2010:
      stay-over arrivals: 532,000
      cruise ship arrivals: 783,000
      Now explain to us again why Dominica is not in the same class? Give us the facts, not knee-jerk reactions.

  38. ti nom
    April 2, 2013

    airport is needed and will always be needed, yet maybe dominica can be a trend setter and invest into some other indsutries rather than tourisim which is pretty much the most competitive industry especially in the caribbean…what about utilising some of our natural resources, what about collaborating more with the french islands who love and appreciate our culture, what about pushing our athletes and musicians, if we work on all these things dominica will become a hot spot and the tourists and money will follow, how can you try to boost tourisim without developing what we have on the island

    • Determined
      April 2, 2013

      While that is true, this is about getting folks to visit from all over. Yeh we can market ourselves but access is probably the main issue. Coming from the mainland, the middle east, Europe etc to visit D/ca having to go through Antigua to get to D/ca at a specific time before the airport closes is enough to get any foreigner to change his/her mind and travel destination. Secondly we don’t have enough hotels to be so tourism dependent to the point where we receive an influx of visitors to our country. Certain measures need to be put in place

  39. an act of contrition
    April 2, 2013

    Garfors.com gave two reasons for why Dominica is one of the 25 lease visited countries.

    1.The island is rather small without too many tourist facilities. I don’t all together agree with them though. Dominica is much bigger than Barbados, Antigua, St. Kitts, St. Marteen, St. Lucia and others. So because the island is small is not the reason people not visiting. I agree we do not have facilities to encourage visitors to come back but do you know that many Dominican living abroad don’t even want to come back. Infact I know some Dominicans that had been abroard for over 30 years and the only time they returned was when Skeritt provided a free flight for old time laborers to come and vote for him.

    2.Lack of proper air access. That’s what STV saw as a major setback and decided to address that by building an international airport. Since our present government is so short sighted they did nothing to address our problem and instead paid Ralph Gonsalves to come right on our shores to tell us that we don’t need one to which we gave him a standing ovation.
    Garfors.com our real problem is not the lack of air access or size of our island but rather, the lack of political education, we like to beg too much.

  40. hmmmm
    April 2, 2013

    sorry to say, but i have officially given up on the country. I fed up of telling people we need an international airport and some people keep saying we don’t. We just moving in circles, everyday tourist telling us how stressful it is to come. When you are making a tourism product, is to carter to the needs of the customers, not them Dominicans that travel once every 5 YEARS, you Dominica already, we not trying to bring you dominica. Its not for u, its for the people we want to attract. Too be honest with you, if thats the trend the country want to continue, i think am gonna get a CSME work permit and stay out of the country. Cause we just hard headed. Nassief like it so, cause half of the 70000 coming by fort young. Same plantation Economy of colonialism era. Keep international Airport out, keep international hotels out and the country stay how it is rightnow

  41. Candominican
    April 2, 2013

    Domiica is one of the only remaining comercial airports that can only be served by propeller planes. Well done labour for 12 years. You have the forsight. Keep working to keep these people in share ignorance. To travel to dominica from continental united states, one has to change at least three planes, minimum wait time between planes can range from anywhere to a few hrs to over nighting. The only people that vacation in dominica is people that know about the island. No one else will work hard for their money and go through such hassle to come into an unwelcoming place. Not even a smile at the airport or signing saying welcome.

    • Determined
      April 2, 2013

      well said
      When you come home to visit it’s almost like they’re mad you came home..like they are forced to work at the airport

    • Truth
      April 3, 2013

      I’m Dominican and I’m tired of visiting. I lose a whole day in transit both ways. This takes a toll when you have set amount of days per year. Let’s not mention how expensive it is to get to.

    • Malgraysa
      April 3, 2013

      …and we even charge people to allow them to leave after their visit, when they have spent their money already. Imagine that, a tax to leave a place that says it welcomes visitors! Upside down, back to front.

  42. me1
    April 2, 2013

    some people may think that it is bad news for us, that is actually good news, believe me it is. If Dominica was like Barbados, Dominicans would not be pleased. Small and not too popular is actually good.

    • Orchid
      April 3, 2013

      I have heard this crazy way of thinking for the last 30 years, leave Dominica natural. Dominica has less people living there than when I left in 1973. It is also more backward than it was in the 60’s/70s. Is this something to be proud about? The economy is poor, you have beggars harassing you when you walk in the town, Roseau is disgraceful, smells of urine and full of garbage. Is this something to be proud of? Totally unreal! Instead of making excuses, accept that something needs to be done and drastically otherwise you will find the few hotels you have going under putting more people out of work.

  43. TOMA
    April 2, 2013

    i wonder how long that person’s comment took to be moderated

  44. miss DA
    April 2, 2013

    all country cannot be a tourist destination.let focus off making DAthe bread basket of the world plant more food

    • Agreed
      April 3, 2013

      I agree. Dominica is one of the few Caribbean islands, if not the only one, that can feed itself and export to other Caribbean islands like Antigua and St. Kitts. This puts them at an advantage for sure. You defintely cannot starve if you can feed yourself and you can only benefit if you feeding others. Something to think about

      • Homeboy
        April 3, 2013

        Whole that is so! The locals and govt have to be ‘in on the scheme! Cause if you have all the natural foods being produced and people want pizza and KFC, it’s not gonna help. There needs to be a campaign started in first grade and continued to instill in the minds of the children the ” nutritional value of the foods that are grown locally”.

      • Malgraysa
        April 3, 2013

        Dominica can feed it self? Well then stop importing flour (from St. Vincent of all places!), seafood products (…yes, including dry cod fish and smoked herring!) and ask the Min. of agriculture to stop issueing licenses for the importation of agricultural produce from the U.S.A., that same ministry that is supposed to help our farmers.You’re dreaming a pipe dream. Dominica was never self sufficient.

  45. Peeping Tom
    April 2, 2013

    Actually, this ranking is not so bad. In fact, the mere fact that we are ranked is publicity for us. We can exploit the ranking to market the island as the destination to unwind, relax, and live in tranquility. The ranking brings a certain mysterious, charming, and truly wildly exotic flair to Dominica. So, i see only good coming from this ranking. It is almost as if it says to us: “this is Dominica’s time.”

    So, is the glass half full, or half empty? Some will never see that we are half way up.

    • Black Panther
      April 2, 2013

      I strongly support your comment in that if it was more visited then we would not be able to boast of being unspoilt, as everyone knows with development you loose some to gain some.

    • glasses go sell
      April 2, 2013

      Glass half empty sees countries like North Korea, Lybia etc. as the other countries in the least visited countries. What do some of these have in common? They are countries on the brink of or going through some type of war. If I had no idea I would think that I should not visit Dominica because it might just be too dangerous.
      Lets look at things that almost (if not all) the other caribbean islands have that we do not even have one of, and I am sure more can be added.

      * An actual mall (not stupid, ugly, unkept) Prevost Cinemall
      * A Marina
      * An international Airport
      * A five star hotel
      * A city that actually looks like one
      * Adequate street light and traffic signalling lights
      * plus

    • Anonymous
      April 2, 2013

      I admire your enthusiasm for Dominica but those of us who have experienced what Dominica has on offer would certainly not describe it as mysterious charming or wildly exotic. It is beautiful but so are a lot of other places in the world

    • Determined
      April 2, 2013

      Publicity……but you terrible access
      Unspoilt but are we keeping it to ourselves? Foreign currency does wonders for an economy. You have to be really serious about visiting d/ca to bother go through the hell of travelling to d/ca where larger planes are not accommodated by our airport

    • Nac Vibes
      April 3, 2013

      At least you are consistent with your begging attitude, do nothing, just wait for someone else to do it for us.

  46. I DIE NU
    April 2, 2013

    Dominica Irie..Nothing happens before its time..
    IN TIME TO COME…All what you all are asking or demanding WILL come..IN TIME TO COME….Think SKERRO don’t know that..!?

    • Anonymous
      April 2, 2013

      you forget the song man “we want it now” I thought was Skerrit that wanted it now.

  47. T.Dot
    April 2, 2013

    Oh wow…..One day things must get better!

  48. Papa C
    April 2, 2013

    Our country doesn’t needed to be a greatly visited tourist destination but it is one of the most sought after places to live. No where else can boast the quiet and calm that we have on our island. The people who are longing for the casinos and night life, it is not without consequences. I live abroad and I long for what we have at home. The destruction to the natural surroundings that come with development and excessive human traffic in tourist areas will soon turn the country into something very undesirable toanyone. It is said be careful what you ask for trust me be very careful. Even now minor development is causing problems for one of our more visited and treasured dive sites. If the tourists cannot see the beauty of Dominica as she stand then we are looking for the wrong type of tourist, maybe we should serve Dominica as a naturalist tourist destination so therefore people won’t be expecting night life and casinos.

    • Anonymous
      April 2, 2013

      Imagine that, when a geothermal plant causing so much trouble to build by some citizens far less for the type of development others crying for.

    • budman
      April 3, 2013

      well come back home then nah. easy for you sit where you are and pontificate

      • Papa C
        April 3, 2013

        Trust me I have no problem coming back home,I didn’t run from the law, I not owing the banks, the only reason I ask where I am is to make a way for my children. So please feel free not to ASSume otherwise.

  49. agree
    April 2, 2013

    It’s no surprise that Dominica is listed along with places that are going through civil war, terrorism, and are under a UN embargo. How does Dominica expect others to care about their island if they don’t care about it themselves. A gem? Hardly! There’s garbage everywhere, and I mean everywhere. Every hiking trail, beach, river, waterfall, hot spring, road, town, everywhere. Hard to promote eco tourism when you look like a tropical garbage dump.
    There is no hospitality at all. Everyone that interacts with tourists, just wants you to give them money and then go away. There is no draw from this country and it is rightfully ranked at the bottom.
    By the way, building an international airport will not help. The flights that are already coming to Dominica are empty, so you’re saying you want MORE empty flights? Bigger empty flights?
    Good luck Dominica, you’re going to need it.

    • Ridiculous
      April 3, 2013

      the reason the flights are empty is because ppl don’t wanna travel on prop planes. smh. and take 2 days to a destination

  50. LEGIT
    April 2, 2013

    what we missing nah? can’t we copy and untie this land.D/ca is just too local for tourist to overstay..Medical tourism is the only thing i can sense that will work..we just need the infrastructures, labs ,tools/equipments, lab techs ,specialist docs.Otherwise i ain’t see tourism working.Echo tourism is okay but it has to be complemented with something else.

  51. Plattsburgh
    April 2, 2013

    Jet Airport + Effective Marketing = More Tourism Arrivals

  52. Diaspora
    April 2, 2013

    Well Look it, see where skerro take Dominica, Afghanistan, North Korea and Libya! Happy Now.

  53. Bas
    April 2, 2013

    I don’t know what you people ranting about, but having traveled around the world, I welcome this as good news for our island.

  54. yes i
    April 2, 2013

    hello government plzzz provide more flights into dca and promote tourism. More jobs more visitors. Simple..

  55. tourisma
    April 2, 2013

    i dont mind… dominica should focus on developing its agriculture and manufacturing industry before tourism. thats the way forward. we import too much stuff that we have growing natural here…. and in and of it self.. when places are less visited they have more worth. not like a sketel country…

    • Morihei Ueshiba
      April 2, 2013

      Agriculture is designed to keep people poor that is why we selling passports.

    • Humility
      April 2, 2013

      Agree with you totally.

    • agri. all the way
      April 2, 2013

      i knw right…they yet to see that agriculture is the way forward in Dominica…start pumping money in di industry man…

  56. beholder
    April 2, 2013

    The number of tourists that stay over is important. but more important is the length of their stay and the amount of money they leave here that counts. Dominica has limited premium hotel space, very few top quality restaurants and shops, and in general a lack a daisical attitude toward customer service. This is at a time when travel is becoming more expensive and difficult not less. Therefore, if we want to promote Dominica as the pristine natural jewel that it is we will need to cater to more affluent people who expect to receive top quality. People will pay to visit the rare, beautiful and primitive so long as their creature comforts are met and they are treated cordially, like we are genuinely very happy to see them.

  57. Doc. Love
    April 2, 2013

    Why would I visit a country where leaders have no respect for its own constitution.Top ranking lawyers can call its own people terrorists,cockroaches,cacadors. When leaders tells blantant lies to its people. When religious leaders are talking of extermination of its own people,because of political differences. When leaders of a small country of approximately seventy thousand people on island would rather build a President Palace instead of proper air access. The hospital closest to its airport lack basic medical commodities in the event of a major airline accident, you must travel to the city almost an hour’s drive away inorder to be properly treated.Sometimes,I get the impression that the Government Tresury is someone’s peggy bank. The leaders can spend thousands of dollars on medical care for Ministers of Government and at the same time our athletes have to sleep on airport banches while representing our country abroad. People like me are being criticised and my comments are deleted for speaking about those issues. I was told, my aim is to bring down the good name of my country,for God’s sake what else should people like me and the patriots do, when things,intead of getting better are getting worse. By the way ,I forgot to mention the blatant in your face corruption.

    • Anonymous
      April 2, 2013

      you are not welcomed,period haul your a somewhere else, show me the good in your government and those who dont lie, or are corupt you damn cockroach.
      did anyone ever ask you to visit?NO. SO GO TO HELL.no one in dominica ask you for s,you probably have no damn race.
      Dominicans are about the happiest people on earth all you have is money so take and sti……..

      • Nac Vibes
        April 3, 2013

        You are so typical of those who are happy to keep the status quo, no constructive retort, just cuss and call names. It would have been nice to see you come back with some counter arguments to the poster’s comments, so your retort only serves to prove doc Love right.

      • Malgraysa
        April 3, 2013

        Anonymous, your reaction may exactly be the reason why people prefer to go elsehwere. Have you ever given that a thought?

      • Anonymous
        April 3, 2013

        There are some really hardworking honest people living in Dominica I really feel sorry for them having to put up with the likes of you.

    • Anonymous
      April 2, 2013

      because you are an a…

    • Lougaoo Mem
      April 2, 2013

      Brother Doc. Love, your comment is right on target. The political leaders, lawyers and the supporters of the status-quo must understand that the blame is squarely in their court. You call it the way it is.

    • rol
      April 3, 2013

      I agree with you. You forget they say people / tourist will visit the palace and take pictures like the white house. Like the calypso say ” click clack raise your camera to d eye”

    • Homeboy
      April 3, 2013

      Doc Love GREAT POINTS!!! WHY CAN’T WE TAKE CONSTRUCTIVE criticism.

  58. MAHAUT
    April 2, 2013

    To end the troubles
    1. Build an international airport
    2. Non-stop flights
    3. Less crimes against tourists
    We can do it if we work togeher

  59. April 2, 2013

    I am looking for DORIVAL JOHN to comment or tell us that we are incapable or unworthy of an international airport. ALL to protect party in power.

    • Dorival John
      April 2, 2013

      Wow, glad to know I have a fan. lmfao

      Just to let you know I am not against the concept of an international airport. My argument is that we don’t have the money and the infrastructure to support such an airport. As other bloggers have pointed out, there are many countries doing fine without an international airport.

      Now because I think we cannot support an international airport, automatically makes me a protector of the party in power? So those for and against an international airport at this time is divided along party lines?

      You people are really small minded papa. SMH

  60. cc
    April 2, 2013

    One major reason for the lack of tourists is cost, its very expensive to come to dominica. From Toronto the average flight costs between $800-$1000 dollars. When a tourist has to add in hotel, meal costs etc your looking at a very expensive trip.

    Why would the average tourist want to spend that kind of money, when they can get all inclusive packages to other islands for a much cheaper price?

  61. Tumble, Back kick
    April 2, 2013

    Well if you want to draw customers will you continue in your shadel mowie or break that down and build a supermarket? Dominica too close and we still not exploiting our geographic location. First thing we have to learn how to treat each other and then the tourist. We some how always give a bad impression about Da. Remember how Columbus described Da when he went back to Spain? He crumpled a piece of paper and threw it on the table;What we say now if Columbus came back he would still recognize Da. Air fares are too high. If Dominicans who born there have a hard time coming to Da much less for a traveller who wants to spend a weekend somewhere else and is at work on Monday? Then again what do tourist do when darkness sets in? And for class elah….

    • Homeboy
      April 3, 2013

      Yesterday a coworker of mine was CRYING ABOUT THE AIRFARE AND THE HOPPING TO GET TO DA

  62. my oh my
    April 2, 2013

    Yes we do need a larger airport to accomodate more people, but i do not think that Dominica should change its tourism priduct. Sand, sea rainforests and the likes are just fine. We do not need exciting night life… Some tourists do welcome quiet time. Let’s push for improved air access and further development of what we possess.

    • Tempi
      April 2, 2013

      Of course we dont need exciting night life.

      After all, people can go suffer that anywhere in the Caribbean.

      and THEY DO !

      And that is why we are struggling to put up numbers.

      We do not even have decent restaurants for someone to go out to at night.

      You think everyone can stand up by some spot with no hygiene standards and eat a piece of chicken in a foil ?

      Think !

      If we are not interested in tourism, then kill the project, fire the lot of those posing do nothings, and put our efforts in agriculture and making bom. Two things we do very well.

  63. grell
    April 2, 2013

    piper has no idea about tourism,dominica does not need an internatinal airport people,does the vi have an international airport and what makes it bloom so much.money needs to be put into attractions and uprade the airport to better air access.finally the people need to be better educated in the tourism industry.dominica is one of the loveliest island in the caribbean.think my people.

    • Anonymous
      April 2, 2013

      Need to be educated or need to travel just saying

    • Anonymous
      April 2, 2013

      The VI is not independant and so is supported by a much larger country just like st. Martin. In the light of that it’s not fair to use these islands instead Antigua, Barbados and the rest of the Winwards are better to be used.

  64. Comments'R'us
    April 2, 2013

    Well 1. No one wants to travel on Liat because they’re horrible….and that drive from the airport is god awful

    • TOMA
      April 2, 2013

      speak for yourself, many people loves da so shut up

  65. aye
    April 2, 2013

    Dominica is really identifying with Libya, north Korea and Afghanistan. Lmfao. Air access people air access. How can you build a gas station in the woods! First you have to create access then build infrastructures. Our government has it backwards.

  66. whoa!
    April 2, 2013

    The place have no night life for tourists so what u excpect? Small minded people here think that casinos bring crime and prostitution (like it not rampnant yet)so trust me when I say gook luck to them in trying to reach 90,000 by 2015

    • TOMA
      April 2, 2013

      i can see how small your mind is, dont throw it off on others who are more educated than you, pig

  67. SAD!!
    April 2, 2013

    Why did DNO STAFF have to give this such a negative spin. Your Marketing skills of the beautiful country sucks. Negative criticism for more hits on your site will worth you nothing in the long run.

    Sad, sad, sad!!. Does Management of DNO see these postings before they are released in the Public? I would hate to think so.

    The Original Source of this document does not have this negative tone.

    SHAME!!

    • real possie
      April 2, 2013

      @ Ssd i don’t mind u have to take the good with the bad we know theres work to be done trust me we on our way the other day watching cnn the lady was talking where to go for spring break she made it a point to say she was just coming from DA she worked for some big travel company so have no fear we will be talked about in the near future.We are the hidden gem that every one passed by for so long but the dirt just start falling off its being polished what a shine its going to be.

    • poop box
      April 2, 2013

      facts r facts and dno reporting facts not negative criticism.

      GARFORS.COM said
      1. Dominica is 25th least visited country; a fact
      2. limited tourist facilities (and services including poor customer service); a fact
      3. inadequate air access; a fact.

      the reality is nou pas ready yet… wake n smell the coffee or by 2015, the next report will be saying we not sustainable… :wink:

      • Creole!!
        April 3, 2013

        As much as this is true, other Countries don’t publish their dirty laundry in public, they do whatever it takes to protect their tourism industry. These are things that are being said to the media persons daily when they do their occasional trainings.

  68. cpl baron
    April 2, 2013

    im in Afghanistan at the moment and it deserves to be on that list!!

    • Bas
      April 2, 2013

      KAF or BAF

  69. toma
    April 2, 2013

    Leave Dominica the way it is, you all want to come and bring your old crap there, it may be low on numbers but its not s like most of the developed countries.
    You don’t have to visit it,we didn’t ask for you all to come either

    • Anonymous
      April 2, 2013

      @toma. Go to School, Your accomplished idiot. Are we not in 2013?

    • Anonymous
      April 2, 2013

      You really are a good advert for promoting tourism in Dominica. If I was you I would give Mr piper a call.Your insight and knowledge on how to promote and attract
      would be tourist to the shores of Dominica would be invaluable. (Toma)

    • Homeboy
      April 3, 2013

      @ toma leave DA like that! Where corruption is rampant, drugs and crimes are in the increase and poverty also, while those in high places manipulate the system with their drug mules. Wow!! I hope you are not Dominican!!

  70. April 2, 2013

    I hope you are listening. The MAIN reason Dominica is so LOW on Tourism is the “lack of proper air access.” “The only commercial airport cannot handle big aircraft.”

    We all know and agree that Dominica is WORTH visiting, in my opinion, not only because of the rain forest but for many of its other attractions, which REAL PEOPLE may be looking for.

    I think Dominica must increase its stay over visitors period in order to increase REVENUE for the benefit of the Island. Don’t you?

  71. Wander
    April 2, 2013

    Whey papa poor old Dominica even the name
    sounds old woman

  72. Morihei Ueshiba
    April 2, 2013

    Skerrit ResiGn now! :cry:

  73. Anonymous
    April 2, 2013

    Maybe if there were a decent airport, people would visit. For those of you who think Seaborne is such a great thing, I’ve lived long enough and worked hard enough to be able to decide that there are certain airlines that I would not fly on if given a choice. Why would I visit Domininica and my stomach be in my mouth for the entire flight, when I can visit another island and be totally comfortable and find some of the same things that Dominica has to offer and in some instances maybe even more?

    • Positive
      April 2, 2013

      Why are we talking about airport. Wasn’t it a almost a year or maybe two ago that we had a big inauguration of night flights and airport expansion, and the great news that better things are coming with regards to air access??? What has happened!!!

      • Foreigner
        April 2, 2013

        What has happened is we have got more visitors than last year

  74. Tai
    April 2, 2013

    I am a Dominican and I visited recently but was dissatisfied with vast majority of the town customer services. I felt like I was bothering or a nuisance when I ask for service. That is what our tourist experience who pay their hard earn money to come and visit. Dominica has the unspoiled luxury to offer hundreds of thousand who visit each year. The island being exposed to the outside does not necessarily mean that it will be damage or spoil be visitors. That is not what they come to do. But it’s the people and government responsibility to contine to nurture and protect its value. I am disappointed. My Island is priceless.

  75. Vanya
    April 2, 2013

    If Dominica had Great Leadership who saw the Bigger Picture by…

    Building at Jet Air Strip..

    Placing or budgeting funds in the House for the World Creole Music Festival…exp ECD5MIL Annually..

    Budgeting Funds for Marketing of Dominica on Major Media Houses like CNN, NBC, Print Media, as well As online internet links- Yahoo, Facebook etc..

    Budgeting Funds and direction Sporting Associations etc…

    But it’s the complete reverse..

    A rather Blinded Corrupt Regime who continues to Fool many of it’s citizens with bling and small Elements of a Red Clinic..

    Don’t folks see Dominicans are backward.

    How you want visit to view a island whereby Citizens Go into the Prime Minister Office Lining Up for monies to pay bills,for food and other Allowances they will see that island as Unattractive.

  76. ROSEAU VALLWY
    April 2, 2013

    The dim-witted argument of “the Cart before the Horse” against an International Airport in Dominica.

    One wonders whether Mr. Phillip Nassief still holds the views expressed in his article published in the New Chronicle on April fools day-01 April 2005- exactly eight years ago.

    The prominent Dominican businessman- authored an article entitled “The International Airport – The Cart Before The Horse” in response to articles authored by Mr. Louis Gabriel entitled, “The Dire Desire To Acquire An International Airport” of March 11 and 18 2005.

    According to Mr. Nassief, he had read the “lengthy ludicrous” articles of Mr. Louis Gabriel and in a rather brusque manner dismissed Mr. Gabriel comments as “sadly superficial and naively sentimental.”

    Mr. Nassief, the father of a $1 Minister of Tourism wrote,

    “Whereas we all want an international airport, we cannot have an international airport because the World Bank, European Development Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank and other international and regional institutions tell us that they are not prepared to give us grants or soft loans to build an international airport at this time, we should listen to their advice.”

    Accordingly, “we must first have the number of hotel and guest house rooms before we can attract direct international flights to Dominica. We need at least 2,500 rooms before we can finance, service and justify such a massive investment of over US100 million for an international airport. Presently we have 750 hotel rooms. We cannot make this massive investment if the market does not exist to generate the revenue required to pay for the debt arising to generate the revenue required to pay for the debt. He continued that most of the regional airports were built during/after WWII- all free grant money –no debt – even the Grenada’s recent international airport was through grant funding from Cuba and America.”

    “In spite of these international airports,” according to Mr. Nassief, “most of the aircraft landing on these islands are small aircraft. The airlines find it more economical to transport passenger through the new concept of “HUBS.” Puerto Rico is a major Hub for the region…Martinique and Guadeloupe are hubs for Europe and Barbados and Antigua becomes hubs for the islands. The present expansion, lighting and upgrading of the Melville Hall Airport is receiving grant funds. No interest. No repayment of loans.”

    Mr. Nassief continues, “We are getting such special treatment because the present government (the DLP) has decided to accept the recommendations of the financial institutions and donor agencies.”

    Mr. Nassief stated further, “Night landing will result in better access in the near future. Government must invite international /regional hotel chains to establish a hotel in Dominica. (such as the Four Season). He stated that unfortunately, the past government (UWP) thought it could disregard the advice of the donor and lending agencies and decided to borrow large sums of money from commercial banks at 9% interest to build an international airport…he considered this as a major error and reckless excessive, irresponsible borrowing has resulted in the present financial crisis, which he claims forced the present government to go to the financial institution of last resort.”

    Would Mr. Nassief care to comment on where we are today, especially on the Hub concept in Puerto Rico, our night landing facility and our celebrated position among the 25th least visited countries in the world. We in the Roseau Valley are willing to pay $1 for his insightful comments at this sad juncture.

    Respectfully
    Roseau Valley

    • Homeboy
      April 3, 2013

      Roseau valley I commend your research and thought process! But my friend Sad to say Dominica is doomed cause we allow ourselves to be influenced by outside forces that Do not have our interest at hand. Until WE WAKE UP and shake that mental slavery attitude, we will be HOPPING TO DOMINICA FOR CENTURIES!

  77. April 2, 2013

    Funny that someone ask what’s wrong with that. Well take a look around, with all its unspoiled beauty can be doing a lot better, and its people living ,more comfortable. Example seniors, homeless,and the mentally ill. Do you or are you all satisfy with the work being done to put Dominica on the map. Tourism could be bringing a lot of finance to the island, but those who are in power and are suppose to promote DA are to busy partying and trying to fill their pockets, not at surprise that DA is on the least.

  78. non resident
    April 2, 2013

    again again and again: Dominica is not good for visitors and tourism in general. Problem is not in lack of hotels and non-existent shopping, dirty streets, over-priced china-made bob markey t-shirts and sky-high prices for everything. Problem is in you Dominicans: you are rude, you dont respect your own women and even less respect for visitors. Before something start to change on this island your government should indoctrinate in your brains that tourist are sacred cows and your cant treat them badly…you need proper education, you need to be taught how to be polite and your police need to secure the island in order not to have tourist assaults, rape and other atrocities…

    • April 2, 2013

      Amen to that. And some are to ignorant to take constructive criticism

    • CDCC
      April 2, 2013

      NON RESIDENT

      Who the hell do you think you are to refer to our people in such derogatory fashion ?

      Its like you have a serious problem and quite a low self esteem.

      I am so happy that DNO gave you this invaluable opportunity to expose your obvious stupidity.

      Its so offensive to hear you talk about us DA people as not having proper education and giving the wrong impression that we have a RAPE problem in Dominica.

      I am so upset with your arrogance and misguided out bursts You are an obvious hater and jizzzzzz…….

      We have one of the lowest crime rate in the entire world and our people are world renown for their hospitality and friendliness so I aint sure where you get your stupidness from I guess psycho ward but Dr benjiman can take care of that

      GET life stop bashing DOMINICA the sweetest place on earth

      • Anonymous
        April 2, 2013

        That is your opinion of dominica not mine .

      • Anonymous
        April 2, 2013

        Yes and that opportunity has been extended to you (CDCC) Except non resident is not stupid he is informed and honest.

      • Foreigner
        April 2, 2013

        CDCC- where on earth did you get that factoid about Dominica’s crime rate being low! Dominica has one of the worst crime rates in the world! Dominica’s murder rate is 22.1 murders per 100,000 people. That is more than 18 times higher than the rate in the UK and more than 4.5 times higher than the rate in the USA which is meant to have a bad problem! DA’s murder rate ranks as 179th out of 207 countries in the world.
        Violence against women IS very common, but it seems to be regarded as acceptable in this country, so much so that very few women bother to report assaults.
        If you want vistors to stop being derogatory about DA, you need to remove your head from the sand and get your act together. Some Dominicans are helpful and friendly, but an awful lot aren’t. Roseau is not a pleasant experience for a tourist: (1)the sidewalks are a total disgrace and very dangerous (2)there are too many beggars – you may not be aware of them because they don’t bother to harrass the locals (3)there aren’t enough places to sit down and rest (4)there are too many taxi drivers and tour operators trying to sell tours who follow the tourists around and make their visit miserable (5) there is nothing to do, nowhere to go and hardly anywhere to get a meal in the evening.
        Yes, Dominica is an island blessed my nature, but the locals seem to be determined to destroy what they have been given. Go and look at the beach at Newtown/Loubiere or Canefield or Jimmit or dozens of other beautiful places now destroyed. Why do Dominicans think beaches are good places to abandon old cars and trucks, dispose of old white goods and building material? And litter, litter, litter. What is wrong with Dominicans heads? Never mind that they are ruining the place as a potential tourist destination – they are destroying the island full stop.

      • Domerican/Possie
        April 3, 2013

        CDCC, I think you just proved the point that “non resident” is making.

    • toma
      April 2, 2013

      who the hell you think you are to tell us what to do and how to treat you, when we come to your countries you al treat us like dogs.

    • April 2, 2013

      You must have had a very bad experience, personally. You can not talk for others. You are the very first non-resident that I have read about having that point-of-view. All-in-all, glad to have read your viewpoint. Keep flying over. Thanks for your visit.

      • Anonymous
        April 2, 2013

        Dont worry we will be and so will a lot of other people.

    • Anonymous
      April 2, 2013

      I have had the DOMINICA Experience and as far as I am concerned they can keep it . Ditto to all the above.

      • Anonymous
        April 2, 2013

        Ditto to foreigner as well

    • toma
      April 2, 2013

      you probably mistake the words educated and polite,i wonder if you know what they mean. People dying on your streets and you walk pass them, you must be mad.

    • REsident
      April 3, 2013

      Like Chris Tucker said in the movie Friday “Dammm”mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm :mrgreen: 8-O
      but Non Resident is Right….

  79. Mr Bullo
    April 2, 2013

    Very interesting,personally i see it a good thing.that’s why the island has always been at 60- 65ooo population.It is suppose to stay pristine n under populated, less visited.That’s what makes it a gem among countries in the world.

    • April 2, 2013

      Very interesting indeed. By-the-way, population is not 60,000 – 65,000; however, you are right, it is a gem among other countries.

  80. Humility
    April 2, 2013

    So whats wrong with that??

  81. Alas
    April 2, 2013

    Sadly, not a lot of people know about Dominica. Every time I tell people where I am from they ask, “where’s that?” I love traveling, but last time I came home it took me about 18 hrs and about $800. My friends flying to Barbados, trini etc pay half that and fly directly or just have 1 stop. It’s just sad that up to this day we still do not have an international airport. It’s less of a hassle to fly to Africa than Dominica, trust me I know. Alas!

    • April 2, 2013

      It is true that not many people know about Dominic. As well, there are a number of other countries we do not know about.

      Where in the world were you traveling from that took 18 hours to get home? I think you should review your flight map before making your reservations. We do not have the luxury of an INTERNATIONAL Airport like your friends from Barbados and Trinidad; therefore, we will never have the direct flights, but we do have the luxury of one-stop flights. I believe you will agree with me, we do need an INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT or at least a MORE CONVENIENT, MELVILLE HALL AIRPORT.

      FYI, I went home last July, from Florida paid $517.00 ROUND TRIP, and my stay at that price was one month.

      Try ONETRAVEL.COM or BOOKINGBUDDY.COM

      • Dominican Bwoi
        April 2, 2013

        He/she is correct. When I went to Barbados, since they have an international airport, it took me about 7-8 hours to reach Barbados (from London). Since Dominican doesn’t however,when I went to Dominica, my flight to Antigua was also about 7-8hrs, but then I had to wait about 4-5 hours for the LIAT to arrive, and guess what?… It still didn’t arrive during 4-5 hours like they said it would, instead, it was more like 6-7 hours. That already is around 14 hours, and then when the plane arrived, we still couldn’t get on for around another hour, adding up to around 15 hours, and then the flight to Dominica which was 1 hour I think, or maybe less.

        This part isn’t totally Dominica’s fault, but when I went to Barbados, since we had to wait a while for the plane, we’re allowed to leave the airport and view the island. Antigua however never let us, so their were hundreds or thousands of people complaining and getting bored, tired & sweaty in the airport all because we couldn’t leave the airport. Now, this is also one of the reasons why I love Dominica but hate travelling to Dominica, it’s just too long & stressful, and to be honest, I’m not made of money, Dominica not having an international airport is making me pay more than I have to all because they won’t build something that us Dominica’s in the UK, USA etc want and need.. An international airport. Even Dominicans in Dominica want it, I don’t understand why the government won’t build one, every year they talk about it but no actions ever happen.

        Also, Dominica needs a nightlife, soon as it gets dark there’s nothing for us to do. Dominica also needs better hotels, advertise the beaches and culture too instead of just the ‘nature island’ because yes people like nature, but that’s not really the reason why people visit the Caribbean.

        That’s all I have to say for now :)

  82. CDCC
    April 2, 2013

    fire dem alll

  83. April 2, 2013

    One of the biggest challenges Dominica has is its name. Too many people confuse it with the Dominican Republic. When I mention to my friends that it is a separate country, they just stare.

    • Alas
      April 2, 2013

      Me to. Then you have to explain where Dominica is. Sometimes you say you are Dominican and people start speaking Spanish to you. Looking like a quaib doesn’t help either because they think we are lying.

      • Anonymous
        April 2, 2013

        Lololol….this comment really made me laugh. But I used to tell themm “Dominica, not to be confused with the Spanish-speaking Dominican Republic.”

      • April 2, 2013

        Looks like no one wants the truth. They would rather hit dislike.

        In the national news was an article regarding a “Dominican Runner”. Interested I read it with disappointment when he was from the Dom Rep. Then I thought, if DR islanders are referred to as Dominicans, what are islanders from Dominica referred to?

        This proves my point. The two island names are too close and nobody I meet outside of Dominica knows where it is, but they all know where DR is.

      • HR
        April 2, 2013

        LOL

  84. DangeRous
    April 2, 2013

    Look at some of the countries we’re ranked at the bottom with..Libya, Afghanistan.. not terrorism we into these days nuh.

  85. Tempi
    April 2, 2013

    Island logic never fails to make me smile.

    Dominica is on that list because of the efforts of the same people you want to rescue it. Its the lack of marketing knowledge that has us here.

    This should be the cue for the resignation of the executive of the DDA.

    Thats like being the chef at a restaurant renowned for bad food and being told its a huge opportunity to become a great restaurant.

    Actually its a huge opportunity to get rid of the head chef and start over.

    Because its an income for the shameless they will not resign. Instead we will continue hearing the primary culprits talking about improving the ‘tourism product’ when the first improvement has to be by subtraction.

    • Just Looking On
      April 2, 2013

      Tempi, you are so right! Since they made that fellow head of the tourism department in Dominica, tourism has taken a serious plunge. Remember he was the head of creole festival too and they got rid of him? I am sorry but Mr Piper has been part of the demise of our tourism and he really must do the honorable thing and resign, he and Sobers sprit! Come on guys, its time to liberate Dominica! Please, free out tourism industry

  86. April 2, 2013

    Whilst this may be a detrimental economically, I feel selfish and prefer that it remains the beautiful secret it is. With all the good things that come along with progress, all the bad things come right along with it, as we are already seeing!

    • Iyisha
      April 2, 2013

      I apologize..i actually meant to like ur comment…thumbs up not thumbs down..lol

    • Tempi
      April 2, 2013

      Thats all well and good if we had a diverse economy like many of the countries a whole heap of people who post on here have run to.

      However when Dominica makes tourism one of the tenets of our economy and the product is failing then you are actually asking for a failed state.

      What happens then ? More migration, more drug trafficking, more crime and more corruption as people try to make less do more.

      So this isnt a situation that is going to preserve Dominica. Its a recipe for the country becoming less and less somewhere where people want to live.

      Unless you are one of those people who think that all Dominicans should eat breadfruit and fish they catch by hand and drink fresh orange juice and wait for someone to send them a barrel with extras.

      Then you best left to your usual 2 week trip where you stay by family and claim your country is the best in the world.

  87. Evolved
    April 2, 2013

    Oh Boy – 7% in my view is an unrealistic target given the lack of access, lack of hotel facilities in keeping with what the consumer wants and expects and an overall lack of marketing spend on the part of DDA.

    I note that 2006 was the year that registered the highest number of tourists according to your article – the year before the NDC was disbanded.

    That is so noteworthy…. Open your eyes people – wake up!

  88. Harold Geddings
    April 2, 2013

    As far as I’m concerned that’s a selling point! Beautiful rainforest AND no riff-raff? I’ll be there soon!

    • Positive
      April 2, 2013

      Believe me, thee are alot of riff raffs on this little island.

      • Too Hard Too Long
        April 2, 2013

        now why would you volunteer such information!

      • Harold Geddings
        April 2, 2013

        I didn’t mean the locals. Those, I like. :mrgreen: I was referring to the Eurotrash tourists that have over-run most of the better-known Caribbean islands.

  89. Anonymous
    April 2, 2013

    The marketing is not working. I live in UK and had a contact address for a UK Distributor of D/Ca market brochures etc. After numerous phone calls etc i never managed to get any literature to distribute. We are not ready yet and an airport won’t make it happen either. Anguilla doesn’t have an International airport yet the place swings.

    • April 2, 2013

      Attitude needs to change…we’re friendly yes, however, we need to also function with a sense of urgency. A faculty (Trinidadian) who teached at the School of Education at the University where I work, came to my office with the prospect of bringing students to Dominica on a learning exchange, students work with the teachers and learn from each other and experience a different culture (Dominca was among the few countries he selected for his grant). I emailed the office Min. of Education a couple of times, spoke with a former employee who currently works in a different ministry (followed her advice), and got no response! The faculty communicated a few times, and nothing came out of it; he was told that the Minister was out of State…faculty asked if there’s someone other than the Minister he who could communicate with, and he received no response!

      I was encouraging another faculty who teaches Management: Hospitality Tourism and Hotel Management to bring her students to Dominica because they usually travel to Brazil and Costa Rica, and although she was interested she said it’s a bit expensive to visit. I didn’t pursue further based on the reaction the educaiton faculty received from the Min. of Education, even though she said she’ll like to visit in the future with her students.

      It’s very frustrating when you try to promote Dominica, and some people just take it for granted and don’t see the benefit of having a phone call or email addressed in a timely manner.

      I’m aware progress is being made…and it must start with those at home; their requests, inquiries must be responded to in a timely manner, and when this level of service comes naturally it will be extended to others effortlessly.

    • badrep
      April 2, 2013

      also BVI does not have an international airport

    • non resident
      April 2, 2013

      Look, you are right..there are many place which do not have international airport and the places doing very very well. Its trendy in Dominica to blame absence of airport as a root of all evils. I believe that good marketing starts through carefully selecting who are yours clients and finding unique way how to reach them. Remember how good Malaysia did putting famous slogan: Malaysia – truly Asia and broadcasting it on CNN, Bloomberg etc targeting business people and cash-rich travelers. Look also on fantastic BVI and Cayman ads targeting both business and family oriented tourists. Now look at Dominica ads: what else except setting up Visitdominica.com people did? What else except another no-brainer workshop in Fort Young? Who are the client which Dominica want to attract? Cruise ship visitors who spend 50 USD and then quickly rushing back to cruise ship? Pity to watch how such beautiful island as Dominica cant use its potential…

  90. GUAM
    April 2, 2013

    How will they get there?

  91. The maroon
    April 2, 2013

    It.s just too costly to visit as well as too inconvenient and time cosuming toaccess Dominica

  92. gees
    April 2, 2013

    gees that hurts!! :cry:

  93. anonymous2
    April 2, 2013

    That is not surprising considering that the vast majority of the people in the world have never even heard of Dominica and a number of other islands. Most people don’t know geography, so unless they happen to be on a cruise ship that lands in Dominica, they probably will never encounter it.

    • Reader
      April 2, 2013

      Agreed! Which is all the more reason why we should do all we can to create a positive image of the island for cruise passengers. THAT is what will get them to return as overnight guests.

  94. Thinkaboutit
    April 2, 2013

    If the DDA is smart they can use this for as a basis for GREAT marketing and PR campaign.

    • Stillawondafulworld
      April 2, 2013

      And our black sand beaches

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