AGP Executive Report

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.

Regional Tourism Awards: CTO’s Caribbean Women in Tourism Leadership Awards in New York recognized Barbados Tourism’s Andrea Franklin as Director of Tourism of the Year and the British Virgin Islands’ Luce Hodge-Smith as Minister/Commissioner of Tourism of the Year. Dominica Tourism Growth: TravelPulse named Dominica the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destination, citing rising arrivals and investment momentum. Wellness Push: Dominica launched its 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” with community-led activities running through July and a focus on nature-based wellness. Marketing Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager (effective June 1) to drive destination visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Airlift & Connectivity: New interline partnerships (Winair–Contour and Air Caraïbes–LIAT) aim to reduce Caribbean travel friction and improve one-ticket connections, including routes linking to Dominica. Regional Sustainability: Dominica hosted a SARSEA workshop advancing coordinated sargassum management and coastal resilience across the OECS. Governance Watch: Transparency International’s 2025 CPI placed Haiti at the bottom of the Caribbean table, while several islands—including Barbados—ranked stronger.

Tourism Growth Spotlight: TravelPulse named Dominica the Caribbean’s fastest-growing tourism destination, citing momentum from major infrastructure work and a shift toward authenticity, wellness and sustainability. Visitor Numbers: Dominica reported a 15% rise in 2025 arrivals to 496,635, with overnight arrivals up 19% and early 2026 stayover growth continuing. Wellness Push: The Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority launched the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program under “Positioning Dominica through Wellness Tourism,” running through July with community-led activities under “Be Well in Nature.” New Marketing Leadership: Discover Dominica Authority appointed Wendy Lake as Destination Marketing Manager (effective June 1), tasking her with boosting global visibility and sustainable visitor growth. Regional Connectivity: Winair and Contour Airlines launched 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. CHTA Visa Headline: Newly elected CHTA president Gregor Nassief said he was denied a U.S. visa, raising concerns for regional airlift and tourism engagement. Aviation/Paris Access: Air Caraïbes and LIAT added a single-ticket interline route to Paris-Orly, improving one-booking travel from parts of the Eastern Caribbean including Dominica. Environment & Tourism: Dominica hosted an OECS SARSEA workshop on coordinated sargassum management and coastal resilience, tying environmental action to better visitor experiences.

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.