Direct AA flights lauded as ‘game-changer’ for Dominica’s tourism industry

PM Skerrit urges Dominicans to celebrate opportunity for more jobs and more revenue 

ROSEAU, DOMINICA — The official launch of direct American Airlines flights between Dominica and Miami is a “game-changer” for the tourism industry, said Minister of Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives Denise Charles, who, along with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, lauded the development as a major boon for the economy.

During the prime minister’s weekly broadcast, “Annou Palé”, Skerrit said two direct flights touched down in Dominica last week, and the schedule will be dialed up to three direct flights weekly beginning January 10, 2022.

“This new gateway into Dominica opens up a range of opportunities for people in tourism and business,” the prime minister said.

He added, “The potential benefits for hotels or tour guides, taxi operators, restaurants and other service providers are unquestionable.”

Minister Charles explained that previously, many tourists were interested in Dominica, but the difficulty in traveling there served as an impediment — one that has now been resolved.

“So, it’s a major game-changer for all our stakeholders and they’re all excited about this new direct service to Dominica three times weekly, and we hope that soon it will be a daily flight,” she said.

 

Tourism in Dominica looking up

Both the prime minister and tourism minister outlined other developments in the works for tourism, with Skerrit pointing out that construction of an international airport is expected to increase airlift into the country even further while Charles noted ongoing efforts to transform her Soufriere constituency into a “tourism mecca and that means more jobs, more revenue will be flowing”.

Charles said, “PM, I’m pleased to say that in my last few meetings with the stakeholders, things are looking up for us in tourism.

“Bookings are up for December and the first quarter of 2022 looks bright, and so, we are beginning to see signs of a rebound in our industry.

“With the addition of the direct service, I expect…that certainly there will be a major increase in bookings for the accommodation sector.”

For his part, Prime Minister Skerrit urged the nation to celebrate “this opportunity to bring people in, to create a better opportunity in terms of economy for people, growth for our country and more jobs for our people and more money in the pockets of Dominicans, so every one of us will have the ability to put food on our table and to provide for our families and to put a roof over our head”.

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