At a recent DDA Press Conference, Tourism Minister Hon. Ian Douglas says latest discussions were held in Miami Florida.
The minister stated that the Ministry of Tourism has been negotiating for more cruise ships to come to the destination during the summer period.
“We told you about two weeks ago that we were embarking on a mission to Miami Florida, where we wanted to meet with a number of the cruise lines that call on Dominica to continue to maintain the relationship with those who are here; to encourage those who have not placed Dominica on their itinerary and to continue to advocate for the increased numbers in arrivals. One of the major issues that we always want to raise with the ships is the matter of summer calls and we have been advocating on that and we will continue to do so.”
Hon. Ian Douglas also confirmed that Dominica has been speaking with Carnival Cruise Lines about returning to the destination.
“We also know that not only stakeholders but all of Dominica is always very interested in our discussions with Carnival Cruise Lines as it pertains to their return to the destination. We continue to negotiate and to sustain our dialogue with them and we are hopeful that those discussions, not only with Carnival but all of the cruise lines will be fruitful.”
Following a one point three percent decline in stay over visitor arrivals in 2011, the Ministry of Tourism reported that there has been a four point five (4.5%) percent growth seen in 2012.
Last year Dominica welcomed seventy-eight thousand, nine hundred and sixty-five stay over arrivals. This figure according to the Ministry surpasses visitor stay over numbers seen over the past three years.