AGP Executive Report

Dominica Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has launched its new summer campaign, “Summer the Nature Island Way,” with eight curated itineraries spanning adventure, wellness, culture and nature. New Tourism Leadership: DDA also named Wendy Lake as its new Destination Marketing Manager, starting June 1, to strengthen global brand and trade partnerships. Wellness Tourism Spotlight: A DDA panel discussion on wellness tourism is set for June 11 at Jungle Bay, focused on how wellness-by-nature can benefit communities and businesses. Airport Progress Update: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says the Wesley international airport is advancing, with earthworks/culverts ~78% complete and runway/taxiway ~60%, plus terminal and other key works progressing. Health Milestone: Dominica completed its first-ever brain tumour surgery, with the Health Minister citing expanded neurosurgical capacity. CBI Rule Tightening: Skerrit says successful CBI applicants must now visit Dominica in person and collect renewed passports locally. Regional Travel Shock: The U.S. visa renewal denial of CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief is fueling debate over tighter Washington rules affecting Caribbean travel and investment. Cruise & Diving News: Royal Caribbean added La Romana to some 2026 Rhapsody of the Seas sailings, while Dominica’s Soufriere Divefest 2026 runs Aug 29–30.

Tourism Marketing Boost: Discover Dominica Authority has named Wendy Lake as its new Destination Marketing Manager, tasking her with strengthening global brand push for nature, wellness and adventure travel. Healthcare Milestone: Dominica completed its first-ever brain tumour surgery, with the Health Minister citing expanding neurosurgical capacity alongside the return of the RCP–MMI eye surgery mission. CBI Rule Tightening: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says successful Citizenship by Investment applicants must now visit Dominica in person and collect renewed passports locally, aiming to meet international standards and deepen cultural ties. Airport Progress Update: Skerrit reports the Wesley International Airport is advancing—earthworks and culverts at about 78%, runway/taxiway at 60%, with terminal, cargo and control tower works also progressing. Regional Travel Pressure: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says U.S. visa restrictions are already disrupting Caribbean tourism and connectivity, after he and his wife were denied renewals. Wellness Tourism Push: DDA will host a panel on wellness tourism’s benefits for communities and businesses at Jungle Bay. Diving Calendar: Soufriere Divefest 2026 is set for Aug 29–30, spotlighting the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve.

Tourism Marketing Boost: Discover Dominica Authority has named Wendy Lake as its new Destination Marketing Manager, starting June 1, to strengthen global promotion for nature, wellness and adventure travel. Cruise Connectivity: Royal Caribbean is adding La Romana, Dominican Republic, to some 2026 Rhapsody of the Seas sailings from San Juan—swapping in a port call (and sometimes replacing Dominica) as Labadee visits pause into 2027. Healthcare Milestone: Dominica completed its first-ever brain tumour surgery, with the Health Minister citing expanding neurosurgical capacity. CBI Rule Tightening: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says successful CBI applicants must now visit Dominica in person and collect renewed passports on-island. Wellness Tourism Push: A DDA panel discussion on wellness tourism is set for June 11 at Jungle Bay under the “Wellness by Nature” Tourism Awareness Program. Airport Progress Update: Skerrit reports the Wesley international airport is advancing, with earthworks/culverts ~78% done and runway/taxiway ~60% complete. Regional Travel Shock: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says U.S. visa renewals were denied, raising fresh concerns for Caribbean tourism and business travel. Community Appeal: SNAR’s Freedom Flight for 140 rescue animals has been postponed due to flight and logistical issues.

Healthcare & Tourism Capacity: Dominica has completed its first-ever brain tumour surgery, with Health Minister Cassanni Laville saying it shows expanding neurosurgical capability, following earlier spinal surgery and alongside the return of the RCP–MMI eye mission aiming for about 60 surgeries over two weeks. CBI & Travel Rules: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says successful Citizenship by Investment applicants must now visit Dominica in person and collect renewed passports locally, as the government tightens enforcement and aligns with international expectations. Airport Progress: Skerrit reports the Wesley international airport is advancing “satisfactorily,” with earthworks/culverts about 78% done and runway/taxiway around 60%, plus work on terminals, cargo, and air traffic control. Tourism Demand & Connectivity: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief warns that U.S. visa denials and Caribbean airline route withdrawals could hurt Dominica’s travel demand and multi-destination growth. Wellness Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Wellness by Nature,” including a panel on wellness tourism and tourism service awards. Diving Calendar: Dominica will host Soufriere Divefest 2026 on August 29–30, highlighting the Soufriere–Scotts Head Marine Reserve with diving, snorkeling, and marine education. Animal Rescue Logistics: St. Nicholas Animal Rescue says a Freedom Flight for 140 rescued dogs and cats has been postponed, with volunteers and truck drivers still needed for the next plan.

U.S. Visa Shock for Caribbean Tourism: Dominica-born CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief (and his wife) reportedly denied U.S. visa renewal, adding fresh pressure on regional travel access as Washington tightens rules tied to citizenship-by-investment and vetting. CBI Tightening in Dominica: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says successful CBI applicants must now visit Dominica in person, spend time in the country, and collect renewed passports locally—aimed at strengthening integrity and meeting international expectations. Airport Progress Update: Skerrit reports the Wesley international airport is advancing, with earthworks/cullverts ~78% complete and runway/taxiway ~60%, alongside work on terminals, cargo, and air-traffic facilities. Tourism Growth Numbers: IMF-linked reporting puts Dominica’s 2025 economic growth at 4.5%, with tourism pushing visitor strength beyond pre-pandemic levels. Wellness Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority launches a Tourism Awareness Program focused on wellness tourism, with a panel at Jungle Bay and awards for top tourism stakeholders. Soufriere Diving Festival Set: Dominica will host Soufriere Divefest 2026 on Aug. 29–30, spotlighting eco-diving in the Soufriere/Scotts Head marine areas.

U.S. Visa Shock Hits Caribbean Tourism Leadership: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief (Dominica-born) and his wife reportedly had U.S. visa renewals denied, adding fresh pressure as Washington tightens rules tied to Citizenship by Investment and broader vetting. CBI Rules Tighten in Dominica: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says successful CBI applicants must now visit Dominica in person and collect renewed passports locally—aimed at strengthening integrity and connecting applicants with the island. Airport Progress Update: Skerrit says the Wesley international airport is advancing across work areas, with earthworks/culverts ~78% complete and runway/taxiway ~60%, alongside terminal and other infrastructure. Tourism Growth Watch: IMF data points to 4.5% economic growth in 2025, with tourism pushing visitor numbers above pre-pandemic levels. Wellness Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority launches a Tourism Awareness Program focused on wellness tourism, with a panel at Jungle Bay and awards for tourism stakeholders. Soufriere Divefest Set: Dominica will host Soufriere Divefest 2026 on Aug. 29–30, spotlighting eco-diving and marine life. Community Call for Animal Rescue Flight: St. Nicholas Animal Rescue says a Freedom Flight for 140 dogs and cats has been postponed, but volunteers and truck support are still being sought for the next plan.

CBI Travel Rules Tighten: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says successful Citizenship by Investment applicants must now visit Dominica in person and spend time on-island, including collecting renewed passports locally—aimed at strengthening integrity and meeting international expectations. Airport Progress Update: Skerrit reports Dominica’s international airport at Wesley is advancing on multiple fronts, with earthworks/culverts ~78% complete and runway/taxiway ~60%, plus work continuing on the terminal, cargo, control tower and fuel farms. Tourism Growth Snapshot: IMF-linked figures put Dominica’s 2025 economic growth at 4.5%, with tourism at an all-time high—visitor strength above pre-pandemic levels and cruise numbers up sharply. Wellness Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority launches its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Wellness by Nature,” featuring a wellness tourism panel at Jungle Bay and tourism service awards. Regional Travel Shock: The U.S. visa denial affecting newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief is fueling debate about tighter U.S. entry rules and potential knock-on effects for Caribbean travel and airlift. Soufriere Divefest Set: Dominica will host Soufriere Divefest 2026 on August 29–30, spotlighting eco-diving in the Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve. Animal Rescue Flight Postponed: St Nicholas Animal Rescue says the Freedom Flight scheduled for this weekend has been postponed due to unexpected flight and logistical issues, though all animals remain safe in care.

Dominica’s Economy & Tourism Boost: The IMF projects Dominica’s 2025 growth at 4.5%, up from 3.4% in 2024, with tourism hitting record highs—visitor totals up 13% (stay-over tourists +18%, cruise passengers +12%) and helping fuel economic activity and foreign exchange. CBI Rule Tightening: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says successful Citizenship by Investment applicants must now visit Dominica in person and spend time on-island, including travelling to collect renewed passports. Airport Progress Update: Skerrit reports the new international airport at Wesley is advancing steadily—earthworks and culverts ~78% complete, runway/taxiway ~60%, with major work also underway on the terminal, cargo, control tower, and fuel farms. Wellness Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority will host a wellness-focused panel at Jungle Bay Resort & Spa as part of the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program, aiming to grow community and business benefits from “Wellness by Nature.” Divefest Dates Set: Soufriere Divesfest 2026 is scheduled for August 29–30, spotlighting eco-diving in Soufrière, Scotts Head, and Gallion. Regional Travel Shock: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says U.S. visa tightening and airline route withdrawals could hurt Caribbean connectivity and multi-destination travel, including links to Dominica. Tourism Growth Recognition: TravelPulse highlights Dominica as one of the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destinations, citing strong 2025 arrivals and continued momentum into 2026.

U.S. Visa Shock for Dominica Tourism Leadership: Newly elected Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) president Gregor Nassief says his U.S. visa renewal was denied, with reports also pointing to his wife being refused—sparking fresh concern for Caribbean travel, business access, and the wider fallout tied to tighter Washington rules around citizenship-by-investment. Airport Progress Update: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica’s international airport at Wesley is advancing across multiple work areas, with earthworks/culverts ~78% complete and runway/taxiway ~60%, while stressing environmental safeguards and quarry approvals for airport aggregate. CBI Rule Tightening: PM Skerrit says successful CBI applicants must now visit Dominica in person and spend time on island to collect renewed passports. Airlift and Connectivity Pressure: CHTA president-elect Nassief urges Trinidad and Tobago to reconsider route withdrawals by Caribbean airline services, warning cancellations could hurt multi-destination travel and regional connectivity to Dominica. Wellness Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority is hosting discussions and launching the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Wellness by Nature,” including a panel on how wellness tourism can benefit communities and businesses. Dive Festival Dates Locked: Dominica will host Soufriere Divefest 2026 on August 29–30, spotlighting Soufriere/Scotts Head/Gallion and the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve with diving, marine education, food and music.

Soufriere Divefest 2026: Dominica will host Soufriere Divesfest 2026 on August 29–30, a long-running diving festival (since 1994) built around eco-tourism in Soufrière, Scotts Head and Gallion, with free/discounted scuba and snorkeling, marine education, food and music, and a spotlight on the Soufrière–Scotts Head Marine Reserve’s volcanic pinnacles, walls, coral reefs and turtles. Tourism & Wellness Push: The Discover Dominica Authority is running the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Wellness by Nature,” with a June 11 panel at Jungle Bay Resort & Spa on how wellness tourism can benefit communities and businesses, plus a wider launch through July. Tourism Leadership & Marketing: DDA has appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager (effective June 1) to drive strategic destination visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Visa Shock for Tourism Investors: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says he and his wife were denied U.S. visa renewals, raising fears of wider Caribbean travel and tourism fallout as Washington tightens rules tied to citizenship-by-investment screening. Major Development Update: Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit says Dominica’s international airport works and geothermal commissioning are progressing, with earthworks/culverts ~78% complete and runway/taxiway ~60% complete. Animal Rescue Call: St. Nicholas Animal Rescue is seeking volunteers and truck drivers for a June 13–14 “Freedom Flight” to move 140 rescued dogs and cats from Dominica to overseas partners.

Diving & Marine Tourism: Dominica will host Soufriere Divesfest 2026 on August 29–30, spotlighting eco-diving in Soufriere, Scotts Head and Gallion, including the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve with free/discounted dives, snorkeling, marine education, food and music. Wellness Tourism Push: The Discover Dominica Authority is rolling out its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Wellness by Nature,” with a June 11 panel at Jungle Bay Resort & Spa on how wellness tourism can benefit communities and local businesses. Tourism Leadership & Marketing: DDA has appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager (effective June 1), tasking her with boosting Dominica’s global visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Citizenship by Investment Crackdown: Dominica’s CBI rules are being tightened, with the government warning citizenship could be revoked if investment falls below the official minimum threshold. Visa Uncertainty for Tourism: Prime Minister Skerrit said he can’t comment on the U.S. decision not to renew CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief’s visa, while Nassief warns tighter U.S. rules could disrupt Caribbean travel and business. Tourism Performance: TravelPulse highlights Dominica’s strong momentum, citing 2025 stayover growth of 19% and record cruise passenger numbers, with 2026 early gains continuing the trend. Regional Connectivity: New interline partnerships in the wider Caribbean aim to make multi-island travel easier, including routes that connect through St. Maarten and improve access to Dominica.

Wellness Tourism Push: Discover Dominica Authority will host a panel on June 11 at Jungle Bay Resort & Spa on “Wellness Tourism in Dominica: A Destination That Benefits Everyone,” part of the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program themed “Wellness by Nature,” bringing together wellness and tourism leaders to spotlight how nature-based experiences can grow local entrepreneurship and improve visitor satisfaction. Tourism Growth Momentum: Dominica’s tourism continues to climb, with 2025 stayover arrivals up 19% and cruise passenger numbers reaching their highest level in more than a decade, while the first quarter of 2026 shows further overnight growth. New DDA Marketing Lead: Wendy Lake has been appointed Destination Marketing Manager at the Discover Dominica Authority (effective June 1, 2026), tasked with strengthening Dominica’s global visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Citizenship by Investment Tightening: The government says CBI citizenship obtained below the official minimum threshold will be revoked, with stricter enforcement and a 2026 outlook shaped by recent legislative and law-enforcement changes. Regional Travel Headwinds: CHTA President-elect Gregor Nassief says his U.S. visa renewal was denied, warning that tighter U.S. visa rules could disrupt Caribbean airlift and tourism planning.

Tourism Growth & Marketing: Dominica’s momentum is getting more attention abroad, with TravelPulse highlighting 2025 stayover arrivals up 19% and cruise passenger numbers hitting their highest level in more than a decade, alongside a 2026 Q1 overnight arrivals rise of 10%. Wellness Push: The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority have launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with a “Be Well in Nature” focus and wellness tourism framed as a natural fit for Dominica’s geothermal, rivers, forests and culture. New Leadership at DDA: Wendy Lake has been appointed Destination Marketing Manager at the Discover Dominica Authority (effective June 1), tasked with strengthening Dominica’s global visibility and driving sustainable visitor growth. Regional Connectivity: New interline partnerships are being rolled out across the Caribbean to ease fragmented airlift, including Winair’s links with Contour Airlines that improve access via St. Maarten to destinations like Dominica. Visa Shock for Tourism: CHTA President-elect Gregor Nassief says U.S. visa renewals were denied for him and his wife, warning it could disrupt Caribbean airlift and tourism engagement. Community Call: St. Nicholas Animal Rescue is seeking volunteers and truck drivers for a June 13–14 “Freedom Flight” to move 140 rescued dogs and cats from Dominica to overseas homes.

Animal Welfare & Community Action: St. Nicholas Animal Rescue (SNAR) is urgently seeking volunteers, truck owners, and drivers to help prepare and transport 140 rescued dogs and cats for a life-saving Freedom Flight from June 13–14, with help needed at St. Nicholas University in Castle Bruce and at Douglas-Charles Airport. Dominica Tourism (Wellness Push): The Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with a “Be Well in Nature” theme and wellness-focused activities plus tourism service awards. Tourism Growth Numbers: Dominica reported strong momentum, citing 2025 visitor arrivals up 15% to nearly 497,000, with stayovers up 19% and cruise passengers rising, alongside ongoing upgrades at key attractions and major projects like the cable car and international airport. Destination Marketing Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager effective June 1, tasking her with strengthening Dominica’s global visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Regional Connectivity (Airlift): New interline partnerships are being framed as a way to reduce Caribbean travel friction, including improved routing options that could benefit Dominica-bound travellers. Sustainability Spotlight: Beyond Green highlighted coral reef conservation work across its portfolio, including Dominica-linked efforts ahead of World Oceans Day. CHTA Visa Shock: Incoming CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief said his U.S. visa renewal was denied, warning the move could disrupt Caribbean tourism representation and business travel.

U.S. Visa Shock for Caribbean Tourism: CHTA President-elect Gregor Nassief says his U.S. visa renewal was denied, warning the move could ripple across Caribbean airlift, investment talks, and regional representation since many meetings and partnerships hinge on travel to the United States. Wellness Push in Dominica: The Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with a “Be Well in Nature” focus, plus wellness activities and tourism service awards for local stakeholders. Dominica Tourism Momentum: Dominica reported strong gains in 2025 and early 2026, including a 19% rise in stayover arrivals and record cruise performance, with major projects like the cable car and the international airport framed as next growth drivers. New DDA Marketing Lead: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager (effective June 1), tasking her with strengthening global visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Regional Connectivity Upgrade: New interline partnerships are set to make island-to-island travel smoother, including Winair and Contour Airlines linking routes via St. Maarten and improving access for travelers heading toward Dominica. Governance Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index placed Haiti at the bottom in the Caribbean, while several islands—including Barbados and the Bahamas—ranked higher.

Wellness Push: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with the public theme “Be Well in Nature,” and featuring a wellness fair plus tourism service awards to spotlight top local stakeholders. Tourism Momentum: Dominica’s visitor numbers keep climbing—2025 saw total arrivals up 15% to nearly 497,000, with stayover arrivals up 19% and cruise growth also reported—while upgrades and major projects like the cable car, marina, and international airport are framed as the next growth drivers. Marketing Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority named Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager (effective June 1), tasking her with strengthening global visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Coral Conservation: Beyond Green marked World Oceans Day by highlighting coral reef restoration work across its portfolio, including Dominica-linked initiatives aimed at protecting “rainforests of the sea.” Regional Connectivity: New interline partnerships across the Caribbean are being positioned as a way to reduce fragmented airlift—making it easier for travelers to reach islands like Dominica with smoother booking and routing. Governance Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index again placed Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while several other islands were ranked higher.