Tourism Minister Ian Douglas is calling on tourism stakeholders to respect the certification process of the sector.
Douglas said while the destination is globally competitive, most stakeholders are not adhering to the Tourism Standards Act.
He says most persons in the tourism sector are snubbing the certification process.
“We have a very comprehensive certification process but if it is not respected by the stakeholders and not adhered to by persons in the industry, it amounts to anything. We have the Tourism Standards Act and they must be taken serious because that is what will make us world class,” he said.
Douglas said most stakeholders see the certification process as being offensive and burdensome “but how can we be the leading sector in the Dominican economy and not pay attention to the certification process?” Douglas questioned.
He said the recent pull out of the Carnival Victory from Dominica is testimony to the fact that the certification process is essential.
“How can we remain globally competitive when 80 percent of our rooms and properties remain uncertified? How can we improve our products when bus drivers continue to sell the tours 20 percent below the real value of those tours? How can we be world class when vagrants continue to make our destination unsafe?” he said.
Another way for the government to collect money from Dominicans where as there is much issues that deserve attention in this land in order to succeed and make this country a much better place to live and conduct business.
Standards are all well and good, but they alone will not enhance Dominica’s tourism product. There is nothing to be gained by having regulatory white bed linen and stainless steel counter tops, if the visitors falls and breaks a leg on the pavements of Roseau.
Greater attention needs to be paid to our so-called niche in the tourism market place. Abandoned vehicles, garbage and obtrusive billboards are not exactly what you’d expect to find on the “Nature Isle of the Caribbean”. We need to better understand our cliental so that we can cater for their needs more effectively. Many cruise ship visitors are retired professionals, some with restricted mobility. The Emerald Pool on a rainy day is not necessarily their cup of tea.
The Minister mentions bus drivers that sell their tours 20 percent below the real value. But can you blame them if the “real” value is an inflated value. A tour that is available for US$15 at a venue here on Dominica is sold for US$57.50 aboard the cruise ship.
We need more initiatives like the Waitukubuli National Trail. But again, the success of the trail will depend on understanding the needs of this specific market. A cycle trail would also not go amiss and neither would a gentle guided historic walking tour through Roseau – providing no one falls and breaks a leg. Farm tours and garden tours should also be high on the agenda.
Well said, I could not agree more! In particular the abandoned vehicles and garbage do not fit the image of a “nature Island”.
Mr. Douglas talk to your peers. They all think as if we living in 1811. Mr. Douglas wasting money on Melville Hall is why our hotel are 80% unoccupied; Spending 27 Million on a house and not spending anything on our attraction is why we behind the caribbean by 800 years. What happen to our brains in D/ca? It look like we trade that for MOU’s and enslaving our people to a new MASSAH.
Locals do not have money like before. All the systems has been corrupt or dismantle, what you expect them to do. All man/woman fighting for the same dollar in the same spot. You bring them to their knees now you telling them to respect the laws. Desperation brother ..Desperation !!!The people will do whatever to survive.
Here is an Idea:
Put 17 Million into Agriculture and and 10 Million in Tourism — in 5 years Agriculture will surely bring over 30 Million /yr Tourisn will become competitive then the people will be employed, money will be flowing then u can buld your state house. Gaurantee it can and will work—MAN MUST EAT, We Have the food water and land! What a blessing!!
As long as you charge stakeholders for certification but do not make it compulsory, they will either not register altogether or disregard the standards. Without enforcement this scheme is not going to work. Right now no operator is penalised for non-compliance Be tough for once and make them comply.If they don’t, do not allow them to operate.
WHY is Dominica so behind other countries in the Caribbean and the rest of the world!? 80 percent of rooms and properties in DA are not certified!? What is wrong with the people in charge? DA is lagging behind in every way of generating money for the country. SMH.. FRUSTRATING!
Because Ian Dauglass, he need to think of what his uncle saying right now in his grave about him, also he need to give tiyani back his job and also help to get out all them crooks and thief in Gov’t office back home begging from Skerrit if he want to see our country get back where we was very respectful in the carribbean