Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean lies the breathtaking Commonwealth of Dominica, a tropical paradise renowned for its lush greenery, pristine waters, and vibrant culture. And now, thanks to the developers, this island gem is about to become even more magical. The country is on the path to development with state-of-the-art engineering as it is building a new international airport, the world’s longest cable car, climate-resilient housing and many other projects leading the way to become the world’s first climate resilient nation focusing on sustainability.
The Cable Car Project
ABL Holdings is currently working on an awe-inspiring project that is set to transform the tourism industry in Dominica. They are building the world’s longest monocable cable car, a 6.6-kilometer engineering masterpiece that will take passengers on a journey through the island’s captivating landscape like never before.
This game-changing project promises to bring a new level of excitement and adventure to Dominica, with projected tourism growth of over three times once the cable car is up and running.
The cable car project in Dominica is being constructed by Doppelmayr, the world’s leading cable car construction company. With over 131 years of experience in building cable cars all around the world, Doppelmayr is renowned for its innovative designs, cutting-edge technology, and unparalleled expertise in the field. They have been responsible for some of the most iconic cable car installations, including the Peak 2 Peak Gondola in Whistler, Canada, and the Mi Teleférico in La Paz, Bolivia.
Founded in 1892 in Austria, Doppelmayr has since expanded its operations to become a global leader in the industry. The company is known for its commitment to sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices, as well as its dedication to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality transportation solutions. With a team of over 16,000 employees worldwide, Doppelmayr has completed more than 15,000 installations in 98 countries, cementing its position as a pioneer and innovator in the field of cable car technology. With the Dominica project, the company is set to add another impressive installation to its portfolio, providing visitors with a truly unforgettable experience.
Few weeks ago Dominica’s flag was hoisted at Doppelmayr’s office in Austria for which the company commented, “The Dominican flag was hoisted at the Doppelmayr Headquarters in Wolfurt, Austria. This “welcome greeting” informs about delegation visits and at the same time draws attention to the respective project. With the world´s longest monocable detachable gondola, Dominica will be a world-record installation connecting Boiling Lake and offering an unforgettable visitor experience. Doppelmayr is proud to be part of this unique project which draws towards an ecological and economically sustainable development.”
This act of solidarity has resonated deeply with Dominicans both at home and abroad and has further strengthened the bond between the company and the island. It is heartening to see companies like Dopplemyer go above and beyond their contractual obligations to support the communities they work with.
The success of cable cars in Austria and Switzerland is a testament to the transformative power of tourism infrastructure. These countries have leveraged their natural assets to create sustainable tourism models that benefit both tourists and locals.
Austria alone has over 3000 cable cars, while Switzerland has over 300, and these have greatly benefited these countries by increasing tourist footfall and making beautiful destinations more accessible.
The construction of a cable car in Dominica is a step in the same direction and is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the local economy. By making the world’s second-largest boiling lake more accessible and attractive to tourists, the cable cars will create new business opportunities and jobs while preserving the island’s unique cultural and natural heritage.
How will Cable Car benefit Dominica
The cable car will benefit in various aspects as it will span a distance of 6.6 kilometres (4.1 miles), and will ease the connectivity of the capital city Roseau with the world’s second-largest boiling lake, offering breath-taking panoramic views of the island’s tropical forests, waterfalls, and mountains along the way.
The project will benefit the island’s tourism infrastructure as well as become the major reason for job creation. During the construction phase alone, the project is estimated to employ more than 100 locals, providing much-needed income for local families. Once the cable car system is operational, it will require over 100 direct jobs to operate and maintain the complex machinery, while also creating over 200 indirect jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector. The project’s job creation potential has been hailed as a welcome development by the government and the people of Dominica, who see it as a way to boost the local economy and improve the standard of living for residents. With its far-reaching economic and social benefits, the cable car project in Dominica is shaping up to be a truly transformative undertaking for the island.
The cable car project will boost the passive and direct employment in the country and enhance the local businessmen.
Dominica has struggled to attract a significant portion of cruise ship passengers to its shores despite being a popular stop for Caribbean cruises. Currently, only around 20% of travellers disembark from the ships to explore the island’s unique natural beauty and cultural offerings. However, with the construction of the cable car project, that figure is expected to increase dramatically to over 50%.
The impact of the cable car project on Dominica’s tourism industry is expected to be significant. A single cruise ship holds approximately 5,000 passengers, and two cruise ships embarking on Dominican shores bring 10,000 in total. With six cruise ships expected to visit the island during the season, the number of passengers arriving on its shores is set to multiply exponentially.
According to the reports, around 15,000 passengers are expected to visit Dominica each day during the peak season, which is a seven-fold increase from the current numbers. The increased tourist activity will have a positive impact on the island’s economy, providing enormous opportunities for residents. The influx of tourists will create jobs, both directly and indirectly, and provide a boost to the island’s hospitality and service industries.
The success of cable car systems in boosting tourism is well-documented. Surveys have revealed that every place in the world that has installed a cable car system has witnessed at least a threefold increase in tourism. The convenience and scenic beauty of cable car rides have made them a popular attraction among tourists, and the Dominica project is expected to be no different. In some regions, cable car rides are fully booked and have a waiting period of two to three weeks, highlighting the popularity of this mode of transport.
Beyond their tourist appeal, cable car systems are also used in many places as an alternative mode of transport for residents, especially in mountainous regions. In urban areas, cable cars are used as a sustainable means of transportation, offering a congestion-free mode of travel that is also eco-friendly. With their versatility and popularity, cable car systems have become a symbol of progress and development in many regions, and the installation of the world’s longest detachable monocable car in Dominica is a testament to the island’s commitment to sustainable development and innovation.
Hence, the cable car project is expected to be a win-win situation for all involved, not just for the tourists and the Dominica government. Local guides, taxi drivers, and vendors are also set to benefit from the increased tourist footfall that the cable car project will bring. The project will open up new business opportunities for locals, as they will be able to provide visitors with various services, such as guided tours, local handicrafts, and traditional food.
After exploring and analyzing such benefits associated with the Cable Car, it has been evidently indicated that there is nothing negative in it. The entire scenario of the flaws in the project was just to create distrust among the people and nothing more than that bluffing. Despite all such positive points, if there is a need to predict the limitation of the project, then one thing can help these people to circulate their propaganda. However, the limitation has also nothing to do with the development of the people.
Limitations of the Cable Car project:
The threat to the UNESCO World Heritage status of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. The park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 due to its exceptional natural beauty and scientific importance. Despite this recognition, the island nation has received only US $18,000 in monetary assistance from the UN organization to support the park’s conservation efforts. The lack of funding has hindered the park’s ability to develop its infrastructure and attract more visitors, despite its status as a World Heritage Site. So, if there is fear of losing the heritage status of the park, then it should be noted that it will never provide any kind of loss to Dominica and its people.
In fact, the installation of the cable car system in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park offers a unique opportunity for the park to boost its tourism potential and attract more visitors to its rich biodiversity and natural wonders. The increased tourist activity is expected to bring in more revenue to support the park’s conservation efforts and help the park reach its full potential as a World Heritage Site. With its unmatched natural beauty, cultural significance, and scientific importance, the Morne Trois Pitons National Park has the potential to become a top tourist destination in the Caribbean, and the installation of the cable car system is a significant step towards realizing that goal.
Hence, the limitation could also be turned into an advantage after the installation of cable care as it will boost job creation and enhance the status of the national park among tourists.
New International Airport
In addition to the groundbreaking cable car project, Dominica is also set to embark on another major development that will enhance its connectivity to the world. The island nation is currently constructing a new international airport, which is expected to be completed in 2025. This transformative project will enable visitors from all over the world to easily access the island’s many attractions and experiences, further boosting its tourism industry.
The new international airport in Dominica is being constructed by Montreal Management Consultants Establishment Limited (MMCE), the region’s leading construction company with an extensive track record of delivering world-class infrastructure projects.
MMCE is partnering with several international renowned firms, including China Railway No. 5 Engineering Group Co., Ltd. (CR5) who are responsible for the design construction supply, completion, testing and commissioning of the airport. The airport project is a significant undertaking, with a total cost of approximately EC$1 billion, and it is expected to create significant number of jobs during its construction phase. Once completed, the airport will accommodate larger aircraft and offer more direct flights, opening up new opportunities for trade, tourism, and economic growth in Dominica and the wider Caribbean region.
Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, recently spoke about the progress of the new international airport project in the country. During a public address, Skerrit expressed his confidence in the project, stating that “The movements you have seen are positive indications, positive indications that the airport project is taking off. And that we will begin to see increased economic activity centred in the North, Northeast of the island, and indeed, the entire country. So, for those who say that the airport will not happen, it is unfolding. And by God’s grace, the airport will be built in the Commonwealth of Dominica.” Skerrit’s comments reflect the government’s commitment to the airport project and its potential to bring significant economic benefits to the country.
The new international airport project in Dominica is being primarily funded through the country’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CBI).
Climate Resilient Housing
Dominica is known for its innovative approach to creating sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, including its housing solutions. One company at the forefront of this effort is Montreal Management Consultants Establishment Limited (MMCE), which has been partnering with the government of Dominica to build climate-resilient homes across the island. MMCE’s housing projects are designed to withstand the impacts of severe weather events, such as hurricanes and floods, and incorporate eco-friendly features to reduce energy consumption and minimize carbon emissions.
One example of MMCE’s climate-resilient housing solutions is the Bellevue Chopin Housing Project, which consists of 60 affordable homes built using sustainable materials and incorporating energy-efficient features such as solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems. The project was constructed in partnership with the government of Dominica and was funded through the Citizenship by Investment Programme. The Bellevue Chopin Housing Project is just one of many similar initiatives aimed at providing safe and sustainable homes for the people of Dominica while reducing the country’s carbon footprint.
Another project that exemplifies Dominica’s approach to climate-resilient housing is the Mero Resilient Housing Development. This initiative, which is also being led by MMCE, involves the construction of 58 climate-resilient homes in the coastal village of Mero. The homes are designed to withstand extreme weather events and incorporate energy-efficient features such as solar panels, LED lighting, and efficient appliances. The Mero Resilient Housing Development is expected to serve as a model for other housing projects across the Caribbean, demonstrating the importance of sustainable and climate-resilient design in the face of climate change.
