AGP Executive Report

Tourism Growth & Product Upgrades: Dominica has reported a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals for 2025, with stayover arrivals up about 10% and cruise arrivals up 21% as of March 31, 2026, while work continues at Champagne Beach and the Kalinago Barana Aute and upgrades are planned for Titou Gorge, Trafalgar Falls, Morne Bruce and Mero Beach; Tourism Marketing Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority has appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager effective June 1, 2026, tasking her with boosting Dominica’s global visibility and sustainable visitor growth; Wellness Tourism Push: The Ministry of Tourism and DDA launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program themed “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July under “Be Well in Nature,” linking wellness to geothermal resources, rivers, forests, agriculture and culture; Regional Connectivity by Air: Winair and Contour Airlines unveiled an interline partnership to connect San Juan, St. Thomas, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Dominica via St. Maarten, aiming to strengthen Caribbean travel links; Regional Maritime Mobility: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to advance EU-backed plans for improved passenger routes and more seamless, sustainable maritime connectivity across Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis and Guadeloupe.

Wellness Tourism Push: Dominica officially launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under the theme “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with community-led activities under “Be Well in Nature,” linking the island’s geothermal resources, rivers, forests, agriculture, and culture to a booming global wellness market. Tourism Momentum: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says visitor arrivals rose 15% in 2025 to nearly 497,000, with stayover arrivals up 10% (as of March 31, 2026) and cruise growth continuing, alongside ongoing upgrades at key attractions and major projects including the international airport. Destination Marketing Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager effective June 1, tasking her with strengthening brand visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Regional Connectivity Watch: A new Winair–Contour interline partnership is set to improve one-ticket connections across the Caribbean via St. Maarten, while regional aviation commentary flags shifting hub dynamics. Visa Headline for Tourism: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says his US visa renewal was denied, raising concerns about travel for Caribbean tourism leaders and business. Marine Conservation: Beyond Green spotlights coral reef restoration projects across its member properties, including Dominica, ahead of World Oceans Day on June 8. Regional Environment Response: Dominica hosted an OECS SARSEA workshop focused on coordinated sargassum management and coastal resilience.

US Visa Shock for Caribbean Tourism: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief says his US visa renewal was denied, linking the issue to Washington’s partial travel restrictions tied to Citizenship-by-Investment screening for nationals of Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica—raising fears for regional airlift, trade talks, and tourism representation. Dominica Marketing Push: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager effective June 1, tasking her with boosting Dominica’s global visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Visitor Numbers Up in Dominica: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reports a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals to nearly 497,000 last year, with stayover arrivals up 10% and cruise up 21%, alongside ongoing upgrades at key attractions and major projects including the international airport. Regional Connectivity Moves: Winair and Contour Airlines launched an interline partnership to connect San Juan, St. Thomas and Dominica via St. Maarten, while Air Caraïbes and LIAT announced a single-ticket interline to Paris-Orly. Regional Maritime Planning: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to advance new passenger routes and reduce barriers to movement across participating territories, supported by EU funding. Sargassum Cooperation: OECS states gathered in Dominica for a SARSEA workshop to strengthen coordinated sargassum management and coastal resilience. US Court Blocks Trump Immigration Pauses: A federal judge struck down Trump-era USCIS policies pausing asylum and other immigration benefits for people from 39 travel-ban countries, calling the delays unlawful.

Destination Marketing: Discover Dominica Authority has appointed Wendy Lake as its new Destination Marketing Manager, effective June 1, 2026, tasking her with boosting Dominica’s global visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Tourism Performance & Upgrades: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says Dominica logged a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals to nearly 497,000 last year, with stayover arrivals up about 10% and cruise up 21%, while major works continue at Champagne Beach and Kalinago Barana Aute and upgrades are planned for Titou Gorge, Trafalgar Falls, Morne Bruce and Mero Beach, plus secured funding for Cabrits National Park and the India River. Regional Connectivity: A new interline agreement between Air Caraïbes and LIAT lets travelers book one ticket to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly with baggage checked through, effective June 1. Regional Maritime Links: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to push feasibility for new regular passenger routes, better transport connections, and more sustainable maritime mobility across Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Guadeloupe. Climate & Resilience: An OECS workshop in Dominica under SARSEA focused on coordinated sargassum management and coastal resilience, bringing together regional experts and partners.

Visa Shock for Tourism Leaders: CHTA president-elect Gregor Nassief says a denied U.S. visa could disrupt regional airlift talks and even tourism marketing, warning that broader visa curbs on business and government travelers may hurt investment and route growth. New Marketing Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager effective June 1, tasking her with strengthening Dominica’s global brand and driving sustainable visitor growth. Tourism Momentum in Dominica: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton reported a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals to nearly 497,000 last year, with stayover and cruise growth, plus ongoing upgrades at key attractions and major projects like the airport and cable car. Regional Connectivity Push: KARULINK partners met in Guadeloupe to advance maritime connectivity across Antigua, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and Guadeloupe, supported by EU INTERREG funding. Aviation Realignment Watch: A new LIAT–Air Caraïbes interline deal from June 1 aims to simplify one-ticket travel to Paris-Orly, as the region reshuffles routes and hubs. Sargassum & Resilience: OECS states gathered in Dominica for a SARSEA workshop to coordinate practical, ecosystem-based sargassum management and coastal resilience.

Destination Marketing: Discover Dominica Authority has appointed Wendy Lake as its new Destination Marketing Manager, effective June 1, aiming to boost the island’s promotion and strategic initiatives. Tourism Performance: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says Dominica logged a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals in 2025, with stayover up about 10% and cruise up 21% through March 31, 2026, alongside ongoing upgrades at Champagne Beach, Kalinago Barana Aute, and planned work at Titou Gorge, Trafalgar Falls, Morne Bruce, and Mero Beach. Tourism Investment Pipeline: The minister also flagged secured funding for Cabrits National Park and the India River, plus major projects—Cable Car Development, Portsmouth Marina, and the International Airport—expected to open new community opportunities. Regional Mobility Watch: A CARICOM border summit reports the free-movement arrangement (including Dominica) has not triggered mass migration, with low numbers recorded. Airport Scrutiny: The UPP is pressing the government to publish detailed financial viability information for Dominica’s international airport project. Regional Environment: OECS states met in Dominica for a SARSEA workshop on coordinated sargassum management and coastal resilience.

Airport Transparency Push: Dominica’s opposition UPP is urging the Government to publish detailed financial information on the international airport project, warning that rising costs, uncertain tourism, and small-island risks could leave taxpayers covering operating subsidies, citing St. Vincent’s Argyle Airport as a cautionary example. Visitor Growth & Upgrades: Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says Dominica logged a 15% jump in total visitor arrivals in 2025 (nearing 497,000), with stayover up about 10% and cruise up 21% to March 31, 2026, as works continue at Champagne Beach and Kalinago Barana Aute and funding is secured for Cabrits National Park and the India River. Tourism Awareness Month: The Discover Dominica Authority and Ministry of Tourism launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, spotlighting wellness tourism and site upgrades, pointing to strong international media coverage and IShowSpeed’s Dominica content boosting visibility. Regional Aviation Links: Air Caraïbes and LIAT launched an interline single-ticket connection to Paris-Orly from multiple Caribbean islands, including routes that can serve Dominica travelers with through-checked baggage. Sargassum Cooperation: An OECS SARSEA workshop in Dominica (May 26) focused on coordinated regional action to manage sargassum impacts and strengthen coastal resilience and biodiversity. Deeper Travel Trend: Caribbean tourism coverage highlights a shift toward experience-led travel—culture, food, festivals, and local access—rather than resort-only stays.

Tourism Growth & Upgrades: Dominica’s Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton says visitor arrivals rose 15% in 2025 to nearly 497,000, with stayover arrivals up about 10% and cruise tourism up 21% (to March 31, 2026). She pointed to ongoing work at Champagne Beach and the Kalinago Barana Aute, with planned upgrades for Titou Gorge, Trafalgar Falls, Morne Bruce, and Mero Beach, plus secured grand funding for Cabrits National Park and the India River. Regional Aviation Watch: Caribbean Airlines is scaling back routes from June 1, including discontinuing Dominica–Suriname and St. Kitts–Suriname services and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—while LIAT Air and Air Caraïbes have launched a single-ticket interline connection to Paris-Orly starting June 1, easing travel across the Caribbean. Sargassum & Coastal Resilience: An OECS SARSEA workshop in Dominica (May 26) brought partners together to strengthen regional cooperation on sargassum management and coastal resilience. Travel Advisory Context: A U.S. advisory roundup lists Dominica among Level 1 destinations, while other Caribbean islands face higher caution levels.

Dominica Tourism Momentum: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says Dominica’s tourism product is showing encouraging signs, with visitor and stayover arrivals rising. Tourism Awareness Month: Dominica launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, citing a 15% jump in total arrivals in 2025, continued growth into 2026, and major upgrades to key sites, with international visibility boosted by marketing and IShowSpeed’s Dominica content. Regional Sargassum Action: OECS and partners met in Dominica for a SARSEA workshop to strengthen coordinated sargassum management and coastal resilience across the region. Aviation Connectivity Shake-up: Caribbean Airlines is scaling down routes from June 1, including Dominica and St. Kitts links, while LIAT 2020 and Air Caraïbes announced an interline single-ticket deal to connect Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly with through-checked baggage. Climate Pressure on Travel: Reports warn 2026 climate extremes—drought and heat—are threatening tourism infrastructure and ecosystems across the Caribbean. Caribbean Safety Check: Updated U.S. travel advisory lists keep Dominica at Level 1 while flagging higher-risk destinations elsewhere in the region. Border Movement Data: CARICOM border officials say free movement isn’t causing mass migration waves, with very low numbers reported.

Dominica Tourism Update: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says Dominica’s tourism product is showing encouraging signs, with visitor arrivals and stayover numbers rising. Tourism Awareness Month: Dominica launches Tourism Awareness Month 2026, spotlighting wellness tourism and major upgrades as arrivals climb (including a reported 15% increase in 2025 and growth into 2026). Regional Aviation Shock: Caribbean Airlines is scaling down its network, including discontinuing service affecting Dominica, and St. Kitts—sparking concern over regional connectivity. New Ticketing Link: Air Caraïbes and LIAT have launched an interline agreement for single-ticket travel from Caribbean islands to Paris-Orly with through-checked baggage, effective June 1. Sargassum & Coastal Resilience: A SARSEA workshop in Dominica (May 26) advanced regional cooperation on sargassum management and coastal resilience across OECS. Climate Pressure: A week of coverage highlights worsening Caribbean climate extremes—drought and heat—raising risks for tourism infrastructure and ecosystems.

Tourism Momentum: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says Dominica’s tourism product is showing encouraging signs, with visitor and stayover arrivals rising. Sargassum & Coastal Resilience: A SARSEA workshop in Dominica (May 26) brought OECS states and partners together to strengthen regional cooperation on sargassum management and coastal resilience. Tourism Awareness Month: Dominica launches Tourism Awareness Month 2026, highlighting wellness tourism and major upgrades, citing a 15% rise in 2025 visitor arrivals and continued growth into 2026. Aviation Shock for Travelers: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and frequencies from June 1, including withdrawing from Dominica and St Kitts, with officials saying the decision wasn’t consulted—while Dominica and the region look for alternatives. Regional Connectivity Debate: Commentaries and regional discussions keep focusing on how air-and-sea transport strategy affects tourism, disaster response, and integration. Climate Pressure: Reports warn drought and extreme weather are intensifying across the Caribbean, threatening water supplies and tourism infrastructure. Youth & Community: The National Youth Council of Dominica denounced a break-in at its Secretariat, while a 100+ young men’s development forum is planned for June 17-18.

Tourism Momentum: Tourism Minister Denise Charles Pemberton says Dominica’s tourism product is showing encouraging signs, with visitor and stayover arrivals rising. Tourism Promotion & Upgrades: Dominica launches Tourism Awareness Month 2026, citing a 15% jump in total arrivals in 2025, continued growth into 2026, and major site upgrades—plus wider visibility boosted by international media and IShowSpeed’s Dominica content. Aviation Shock for Travelers: Caribbean Airlines is cutting regional routes and frequencies from June 1, including withdrawing from Dominica and St. Kitts and reducing service to Martinique and Guadeloupe—prompting calls for alternatives and partner arrangements. Regional Connectivity Debate: Commentaries and CARICOM discussions are zeroing in on how airline realignments and the need for a unified air-and-sea transport strategy could shape the next decade of Caribbean connectivity. Climate Pressure on Tourism: A regional drought-and-extreme-weather warning highlights risks to ecosystems and tourism infrastructure as 2026 climate swings intensify. Regional Policy Watch: The IMF backs Dominica’s growth—driven by tourism and infrastructure—while urging continued fiscal discipline and climate-resilient reforms.

Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Caribbean Airlines is cutting key intra-Caribbean links from June 1, including discontinuing flights between Dominica and Suriname, plus St. Kitts and Dominica, and reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe service to twice weekly—passengers are being offered rebooking, reroutes via partners, refunds, or travel credit. Regional Aviation Politics: St. Kitts and Nevis Tourism Minister Marsha Henderson says Caribbean Airlines withdrew from the St. Kitts route without consulting the government, while officials move to secure an alternative airline partner. Dominica Tourism Push: Dominica launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, citing a 15% rise in 2025 arrivals and continued growth into 2026, with a focus on wellness tourism and major upgrades to key sites. Climate Pressure on Travel: A regional report warns 2026 climate extremes—drought and unpredictable rainfall—are threatening ecosystems and tourism infrastructure across the Caribbean. Regional Mobility Data: CARICOM border officials say free movement isn’t causing “flooding” fears, with very low numbers reported under the regime.

Regional Aviation: Caribbean Airlines is cutting routes and frequencies from June 1, including discontinuing service to Dominica and St. Kitts, plus the Ogle–Suriname corridor, while reducing Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly; the airline says passengers will be contacted and offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit, and it’s working toward a codeshare to widen connections. Tourism Momentum: Dominica launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, citing a 15% rise in 2025 visitor arrivals and continued growth into 2026, with a push for wellness tourism and upgrades to key sites—plus added digital reach from IShowSpeed’s Dominica adventure content. Climate & Water Stress: A new regional climate outlook warns drought and extreme heat are intensifying across the Caribbean, threatening freshwater supplies, agriculture, and tourism infrastructure. Policy & Planning: The IMF says Dominica’s growth is strong (tourism and infrastructure driving GDP up), but urges continued fiscal consolidation and reforms to build buffers against natural disasters. Local Governance: The UWP unveiled a 10-point plan for Dominica, including jobs and tourism development, healthcare, governance, and environmental sustainability.

Tourism Spotlight: IShowSpeed posted a fresh video from Dominica, praising the island’s “absolutely amazing” green landscapes, Kalinago culture, and local food like the red banana, plus a meeting with Olympic triple-jump gold medallist Thea LaFond-Gadson. Tourism Growth & Upgrades: Dominica launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, citing a 15% rise in 2025 visitor arrivals and continued momentum into 2026, with wellness tourism in focus and major upgrades to key sites. Air Connectivity Shock: Caribbean Airlines will cut regional routes effective June 1, including discontinuing service to Dominica and St Kitts, and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly—passengers are being offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credit. Regional Travel Reality Check: CARICOM border data presented at a recent summit says free movement isn’t causing mass migration “flooding,” with very low numbers reported, including Dominica. Policy & Planning: The IMF backed Dominica’s growth (tourism and infrastructure investment) while urging continued fiscal consolidation and reforms to build climate-resilient, diversified growth. Local Governance: The UWP unveiled a 10-point plan for Dominica, with tourism, agriculture, healthcare, governance, and environmental sustainability among its priorities. Safety & Community: Dominica’s National Youth Council reported a break-in at its Secretariat, linking possible security weaknesses to damage from a May 6 fire.

IMF Update: The IMF executive board says Dominica’s economy is expanding, with real GDP growth accelerating to 4.5% in 2025 and tourism now 36% above pre-pandemic levels, but warns fiscal and external imbalances remain high and urges continued prudent policies, structural reforms, and more fiscal consolidation to build disaster buffers. Tourism Push: Dominica has launched Tourism Awareness Month 2026, spotlighting wellness tourism and major upgrades, citing a 15% rise in total visitor arrivals in 2025 and continued growth into 2026, including cruise gains. Air Connectivity Shock: Caribbean Airlines says it will cut regional routes from June 1, including discontinuing service to Dominica and St. Kitts, and reducing flights to Martinique and Guadeloupe to twice weekly, with affected passengers offered rebooking, refunds, or travel credits while the airline works on a codeshare. Regional Travel Reality Check: CARICOM border data presented at a recent summit suggests free movement is not causing mass migration waves, with very low numbers reported across participating territories. Local Governance & Safety: Dominica’s National Youth Council says its Secretariat was broken into and ransacked, linking concerns to security weaknesses after a May 6 fire and urging police investigations.