Dominica records strongest cruise season in 15 years: PM Roosevelt Skerrit

Dominica recorded the strongest ever cruise tourism season in 2025 in the last 15 years, as announced by Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit. The country is exploring new investment opportunities in cruise and maritime infrastructure following a strong performance in its cruise tourism sector, with the Government seeking to expand port facilities and create greater economic opportunities for local businesses.

Addressing the nation during Dominica's 48th anniversary of independence, the Prime Minister highlighted the island's recent tourism performance, noting that the most recent season was the strongest in 15 years.

"Last year, we welcomed more stayover visitors than ever before. And this past season was the strongest in 15 years," he said.

Prime Minister Skerrit also stated that the government is working on enhancing their cruise sector by inviting private-sector partnerships for the development of cruise facilities, a cargo port and a ferry terminal.

He revealed that investors had expressed strong interest in these projects, which could bring additional capital and technical expertise to Dominica's maritime infrastructure.

Under the proposed partnership model, private investors would contribute financing and expertise, while the Government would provide land and other assets to facilitate development. The approach is intended to advance major infrastructure projects while reducing reliance on Citizenship by Investment revenue and government borrowing.

The proposed developments could strengthen Dominica's capacity to accommodate cruise activity, improve maritime transportation and support the movement of commercial goods. They could also create opportunities for businesses and individuals whose livelihoods depend on port-related activities, including cruise vendors, stevedores and tourism service providers.

Emphasising the importance of involving local stakeholders in the process, the Prime Minister said, "Everyone with a stake in our ports, from a cruise ship vendor to the stevedore, deserves to understand these proposals and have a say."

He directed the relevant ministries to conduct consultations with stakeholders by 18 November 2026, ensuring that those affected by the proposed developments have an opportunity to understand and contribute to the discussions.

The Government is also pursuing wider investment opportunities in major infrastructure. A delegation from the United States International Development Finance Corporation is expected to visit Dominica to explore potential areas of investment, including infrastructure development.

As Dominica continues to build on its tourism performance, the proposed investments in cruise and maritime facilities form part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's visitor economy, improve connectivity and expand opportunities for local enterprises.

The Government's approach places emphasis on attracting private investment while ensuring that infrastructure development delivers tangible benefits for Dominican communities and supports the country's long-term economic resilience.