Freelance writer Sharon McDonnell visited the island June 13-18, to capture the culture, attractions and accommodations Dominica offers for her upcoming stories in Island Life magazine and National Geographic Traveler. Both articles will have a large focus on eco-lodging and the uniqueness behind Dominica’s accommodations. Island Life magazine is a quarterly luxury, glossy magazine that is distributed in the US, Canada, UK and Caribbean regions. It has a circulation of 500,000. National Geographic Traveler is the world’s most widely read travel magazine and it has a circulation of 718,333.

Freelancer Adam McCulloch was recently on island July 14-19, to experience Dominica’s sustainable tourism and diving, as he is pitching these topics to all of his writing outlets. Adam is an avid diver and had the opportunity to participate in some of Dominica’s 17th Annual Dive Fest activities during his time on "the Nature Island." Some of the magazines Adam will be pitching Dominica to include Outside magazine, ForbesTraveler.com, TravelandLeisure.com, American Way and more. To view a list of Adam’s complete list of publications he contributes to, visit http://www.adammcculloch.info/.

Discover Dominica Authority created on-island itineraries for the media that consisted of top activities/attractions: Botanical Gardens & Morne Bruce, visit to the Freshwater Lake and Borie Lake, snorkeling with Irie Safari at Champagne Beach, Whale Watching tour with Dive Dominica, a visit to Kalinago Barana Aute, Rodney’s Rock Underwater Experience, the Boiling Lake with Tour Guide Peter Green, diving with Cabrits Dive Center, tour of the Indian River and Cabrits National Park and participating in various Dive Fest events including the Kubuli Canoe Race. Accommodations were provided by Zandoli Inn, Papillote Wilderness Retreat, Jungle Bay Resort & Spa, Cocoa Cottages and Silks Hotel.

Known as "the Nature Island" and located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, the independent nation of Dominica  is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, encompassing an area of nearly 290 square miles. Of volcanic origins with mountains reaching heights of nearly 5,000 feet, rainforests that are considered among the last true oceanic rainforests in the world, more than 365 rivers, waterfalls the second largest Boiling Lake in the world and pristine coral reefs, Dominica’s natural diversity is truly unique. Dominica is also home to the last remaining settlement of Indigenous People of the Caribbean – The Carib Indians. A place where man and nature live in harmony, adventurers and nature lovers alike will revel in the Island’s eco-tourism options which include scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking/trekking, whale, dolphin and bird watching, sailing and fishing.

Dominica continues to be recognized for its attributes and responsible tourism efforts, including being the first country in the world to receive Benchmarking designation from the prestigious eco-tourism organization Green Globe 21. National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destination ranked the island as the top sustainable island in the Caribbean and among the top ten in the world. Dominica was recognized by Islands Magazine and was included in its 2007 Blue List for being a leader in responsible tourism and ensuring an environmentally and culturally sound island for future generations. Travel + Leisure also announced Dominica as one of the most compelling destinations to visit in their 100 Greatest Trips 2008 edition. Most recently, Dominica was recognized as the 2nd most "pure island" in the world in the April/May 2010 issue of Islands Magazine.

For more information on Dominica, contact Discover Dominica Authority at 866-522-4057. Or, visit Dominica’s official website: www.discoverdominica.com or follow Dominica on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Posted: 09/08/2010

Unveil Dominica’s pristine waters and lush rainforests with seven different podcasts that cover the topics of; the Carib Culture of Dominica, how to master your own Creole cocktail, hiking, the secrets to Dominica’s responsible tourism, Waitukubuli National Trail, how to cook Dominica style and activities and attractions not to miss.

"We are pleased to continue to promote Dominica via social media. We discovered another resource to keep our visitors not only informed on what’s happening on island but also engaged," commented Mr. Colin Piper, CEO/Director of Discover Dominica Authority. "With the creation of this series of podcasts, our travelers have the opportunity to experience and receive firsthand knowledge on the island before they step off the plane. The videos will help them gain a better overview of Dominica’s history, activities and cultural highlights such as our local cuisine."

The series of mini documentary videos can be downloaded at http://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/discover-dominica/id326457573.

Known as "the Nature Island" and located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, the independent nation of Dominica (pronounced "dom-in-eek-a") is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, encompassing an area of nearly 290 square miles. Of volcanic origins with mountains reaching heights of nearly 5,000 feet, rainforests that are considered among the last true oceanic rainforests in the world, more than 365 rivers, waterfalls the second largest Boiling Lake in the world and pristine coral reefs, Dominica’s natural diversity is truly unique. Dominica is also home to the last remaining settlement of Indigenous People of the Caribbean – The Carib Indians. A place where man and nature live in harmony, adventurers and nature lovers alike will revel in the Island’s eco-tourism options which include scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking/trekking, whale, dolphin and bird watching, sailing and fishing.

Dominica continues to be recognized for its attributes and responsible tourism efforts, including being the first country in the world to receive Benchmarking designation from the prestigious eco-tourism organization Green Globe 21. National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destination ranked the island as the top sustainable island in the Caribbean and among the top ten in the world. Dominica was recognized by Islands Magazine and was included in its 2007 Blue List for being a leader in responsible tourism and ensuring an environmentally and culturally sound island for future generations. Travel + Leisure also announced Dominica as one of the most compelling destinations to visit in their 100 Greatest Trips 2008 edition. Most recently, Dominica was recognized as the 2nd most "pure island" in the world in the April/May 2010 issue of Islands Magazine.

For more information on Dominica, contact Discover Dominica Authority at 866-522-4057. Or, visit Dominica’s official website: www.discoverdominica.com or follow Dominica on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. Download free Dominica podcasts for your iPod from iTunes.

Posted: 09/08/2010

Proposals must be delivered in sealed envelope to:

Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Tourism & Legal Affairs
Government Headquarters
Roseau
Commonwealth of Dominica

All proposals must be delivered no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 26, 2010. Late proposals will be rejected.

Please note that this proposal in no way is to be construed as an offer to contract with any bidding group/individual. The Ministry reserves the right to waive any formalities and reject any or all proposals, re-advertise for proposals and to avoid or refrain from awarding any contracts.

For more information please contact:

Ministry of Tourism & Legal Affairs
Government Headquarters
Roseau
Commonwealth of Dominica
Tel: (767) 266 3003/266 3006
Email: legalaffairs@cwdom.dm

CEO/Director of Tourism presents winner Natale Cozzolongo with a package of products from Dominica

The grand prize included 2 roundtrip American Airlines tickets, 6 days/5 nights’ accommodations, complimentary breakfasts, complimentary yoga at Rainforest Shangri-la, welcome and departing dinner, whale watching excursion, Indian River tour, tour of the Carib territory and the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, tour on the Rainforest Aerial Tram, and roundtrip airport transfers. Mr. Colin Piper, CEO/Director of Tourism for Discover Dominica Authority, presented the couple with a package filled with local products from the island such as coffee, hot sauce, jellies and other goodies.

Discover Dominica Authority extends their gratitude to the following organizations for sponsoring the “Islands to Islands Project,” Rainforest Aerial Tram, Calibishie Lodges, Rainforest Shangri-la and Fort Young Hotel.

Known as “the Nature Island” and located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, the independent nation of Dominica (pronounced “dom-in-eek-a”) is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, encompassing an area of nearly 290 square miles. Of volcanic origins with mountains reaching heights of nearly 5,000 feet, rainforests that are considered among the last true oceanic rainforests in the world, more than 365 rivers, waterfalls the second largest Boiling Lake in the world and pristine coral reefs, Dominica’s natural diversity is truly unique. Dominica is also home to the last remaining settlement of Indigenous People of the Caribbean – The Carib Indians. A place where man and nature live in harmony, adventurers and nature lovers alike will revel in the Island’s eco-tourism options which include scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking/trekking, whale, dolphin and bird watching, sailing and fishing.

Dominica continues to be recognized for its attributes and responsible tourism efforts, including being the first country in the world to receive Benchmarking designation from the prestigious eco-tourism organization Green Globe 21. National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destination ranked the island as the top sustainable island in the Caribbean and among the top ten in the world. Dominica was recognized by Islands Magazine and was included in its 2007 Blue List for being a leader in responsible tourism and ensuring an environmentally and culturally sound island for future generations. “Travel and Leisure” also announced Dominica as one of the most compelling destinations to visit in their 100 Greatest Trips 2008 edition. Most recently, Dominica was recognized as the 2nd most “pure island” in the world in the April/May 2010 issue of Islands Magazine.

For more information on Dominica, contact Discover Dominica Authority at (866) 522 4057. Or, visit Dominica’s official website: www.discoverdominica.com or follow Dominica on Twitter and Facebook.

Iyah Cure, known as Jah Cure, is a Jamaican reggae musician who was given the name Jah Cure by Capleton, who he met while growing up in Kingston. His first hit debuted in March 1997 when he released the single, “King in this Jungle” which was a duet with Sizzla. He continued to release a steady stream of singles that won him popular acclaim. His top hits include, “Longing for Love,” and “True Relections,” plus he is the distinctive voice on Jason Maraz’s “I’m Yours (Remix).”

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Jah Cure to Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival,” commented Colin Piper, CEO/Director of Discover Dominica Authority. “Securing the appearance of such a popular reggae artist as Jah Cure raises awareness for World Creole Music Festival and his unique style of reggae will complement the traditional Creole music which this event celebrates.”

Highly anticipated by fans of this style of music throughout the world, the 14th Annual World Creole Music Festival will be held October 29 – 31, 2010. A well-established Caribbean and international platform for artists of the genre, the festival is widely seen as one of the only truly indigenous music events in the Caribbean. Over the years, the festival has attracted some of the most renowned musical groups and soloists from the Creole-speaking World. Past performances included premier acts such as Exile One, Kassav, Gramacks/New Generations, Tabou Combo, Swinging Stars, La Perfecta and others as well as solo artists like Sean Paul, Ophelia, Tania St. Valle, Sakis, Franky Vincent, Sweet Mickey and Maxi Priest. For more information visit www.wcmfdominica.com.

Known as “the Nature Island” and located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, the independent nation of Dominica (pronounced “dom-in-eek-a”) is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, encompassing an area of nearly 290 square miles. Of volcanic origins with mountains reaching heights of nearly 5,000 feet, rainforests that are considered among the last true oceanic rainforests in the world, more than 365 rivers, waterfalls the second largest Boiling Lake in the world and pristine coral reefs, Dominica’s natural diversity is truly unique. Dominica is also home to the last remaining settlement of Indigenous People of the Caribbean – The Carib Indians. A place where man and nature live in harmony, adventurers and nature lovers alike will revel in the Island’s eco-tourism options which include scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking/trekking, whale, dolphin and bird watching, sailing and fishing.

Dominica continues to be recognized for its attributes and responsible tourism efforts, including being the first country in the world to receive Benchmarking designation from the prestigious eco-tourism organization Green Globe 21. National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destination ranked the island as the top sustainable island in the Caribbean and among the top ten in the world. Dominica was recognized by Islands Magazine and was included in its 2007 Blue List for being a leader in responsible tourism and ensuring an environmentally and culturally sound island for future generations. Travel + Leisure also announced Dominica as one of the most compelling destinations to visit in their 100 Greatest Trips 2008 edition. Most recently, Dominica was recognized as the 2nd most “pure island” in the world in the April/May 2010 issue of Islands Magazine.

For more information on Dominica, contact Discover Dominica Authority at (866) 522 4057. Or, visit Dominica’s official website: www.discoverdominica.com or follow Dominica on Twitter and Facebook.

Posted: 29/06/2010

Mrs Janice Armour

Roseau, Dominica – (June 7, 2010) – Ms. Janice Armour, a well respected native of Dominica, will be honored for her outstanding contributions, and for her dedication to Dominica by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) during Caribbean Week in New York, next week, June 6-11, 2010. The Special Recognition Award will be presented to Ms. Armour at the 37th Annual Governments of the Caribbean State Ball and Awards Presentation at the New York Plaza Hotel on the evening of Friday, June 11.

Over the past forty years, Armour has devoted herself to the development of Dominica’s tourism product and marketing Dominica as an eco-tourism destination, locally, regionally and internationally. Eager to build on Dominica’s diverse natural attributes, Armour researched, promoted and developed numerous tourism related activities. She was among the first to offer services for tourists to experience the depth of Dominica’s product through Anchorage Safaris Tours, the island’s first inbound tour operator. Horseback riding, mountain biking, bird watching, sailing and scuba diving were some of the myriad activities that she introduced to tourists and accentuated as part of the tourism product mix.

A major highlight in Ms. Armour’s career was in 1972, when she and her husband opened Anchorage Hotel with 16 bedrooms, a restaurant and bar, a pool and a small pier. Years later, she negotiated with the Ross University School of Medicine to allow local Dominicans to provide student housing and in 1981 was the first company to offer accommodations in the Picard area to the University with the completion of 50 rooms at the Portsmouth Beach Hotel. As a result of her pioneering efforts, Armour was the first Dominican to build housing that would accommodate the total number of students of the Ross University School of Medicine.

Apart from these business ventures that helped to put Dominica on the tourism map, Armour found time to represent Dominica at many Caribbean Hotel Association meetings and events, as well as international trade fairs such as the World Travel Market (WTM) and International Tourism Bourse (ITB Berlin). Armour was appointed the tourism private sector spokesperson for Dominica.

The CTO Special Recognition Award honors people who have done an extraordinary job of positively promoting tourism to the Caribbean; whose work brings recognition to the region and whose dedication to the development of tourism for the benefit of the people of the Caribbean merits special recognition.

The CTO is an international agency responsible for the Caribbean’s tourism development. Caribbean Week in New York, which runs from June 6 – 11, 2010, is a key event on its program. During Caribbean Week in New York, some of the most influential policy makers, marketing professionals and tourism industry officials interact and discuss both tourism and investment opportunities in the region. The week also serves to provide a taste of the Caribbean to inspire travel and showcase the region’s diversity to thousands of New Yorkers and visitors to New York who participate in a number of targeted events. The Governments of the Caribbean State Ball & Awards Presentation ends Caribbean Week in New York. It is a black tie fundraising gala to benefit the CTO Foundation which provides scholarships for Caribbean nationals pursuing studies in tourism related fields.

Known as “the Nature Island” and located between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, the independent nation of Dominica (pronounced “dom-in-eek-a”) is the largest and most mountainous of the Windward Islands, encompassing an area of nearly 290 square miles. Of volcanic origins with mountains reaching heights of nearly 5,000 feet, rainforests that are considered among the last true oceanic rainforests in the world, more than 365 rivers, waterfalls the second largest Boiling Lake in the world and pristine coral reefs, Dominica’s natural diversity is truly unique. Dominica is also home to the last remaining settlement of Indigenous People of the Caribbean – The Carib Indians. A place where man and nature live in harmony, adventurers and nature lovers alike will revel in the Island’s eco-tourism options which include scuba diving, snorkeling, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, nature tours, hiking/trekking, whale, dolphin and bird watching, sailing and fishing.

Dominica continues to be recognized for its attributes and responsible tourism efforts, including being the first country in the world to receive Benchmarking designation from the prestigious eco-tourism organization Green Globe 21. National Geographic’s Center for Sustainable Destination ranked the island as the top sustainable island in the Caribbean and among the top ten in the world. Dominica was recognized by Islands Magazine and was included in its 2007 Blue List for being a leader in responsible tourism and ensuring an environmentally and culturally sound island for future generations. Travel + Leisure also announced Dominica as one of the most compelling destinations to visit in their 100 Greatest Trips 2008 edition. Most recently, Dominica was recognized as the 2nd most “pure island” in the world in the April/May 2010 issue of Islands Magazine.

Posted: 09/06/2010

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Discover Dominica Authority and Astaphans present Dominica’s 2nd annual Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 at 10am – 6pm at the University of the West Indies open campus grounds.

This showcase of Dominica’s Health and Wellness industry will take place in two tented arenas:

• one for a grand exhibition of locally available Health & Wellness services and products and
• another for a vibrant program of interactive classes and workshops.

Join us for a day packed with exhibitions & demonstrations from healing arts professionals (massage, yoga, herbal medicine, raw foods, martial arts, dance, chiropractic care and much more), natural products, organic produce and ital foods on sale. MC for the day is Marcia Baptiste Dominica’s carnival queen and Miss Caribbean World 2010.

Win fabulous health and wellness treatments and products in our prize raffle! Arrive on time as raffle tickets are given free to the first 50 people through the door.

Schedule of Activities

10am -11am
Opening of event with Minister of Health and Carnival Queen Marcia Baptiste

11am – 11:45am
Dance your way to Joy and Bliss – Charity Joy

Warm-up with yoga poses, look within to find movements your body enjoys and then get grooving with the dance styles of hip hop, breakdance, african and dancehall. The class will cool down with a few moments of deep relaxation with Thai massage adjustments to put your body into a state of utter bliss!

12pm – 1pm
Caribbean Raw Foods Demo – Chantel Selman

Food is your medicine and using Raw foods is the best way to achieve optimal wellness and vitality. This interactive and vibrant presentation given by Raw Foods chef, Chantel Selman from Barbados will show how to make simple yet delicious raw food dishes with our local produce. Come and taste sample dishes and be inspired!

1pm – 2pm
Lunch Break – Music by Phase Five Steel Pan

2pm – 2:45pm
Spinal Health: Your Responsibility for Wellness – Dr Janet Taylor: Quantum Leap

Find out how to have better physical, mental and emotional well-being by participating in stress management techniques and an interactive workshop about your nervous system.

3pm – 3:45pm
A Journey into Yoga by Trudy Scott Prevost: Rainbow Yoga

Take this unique opportunity to experience the different styles and types of yoga that Rainbow Yoga provides in Dominica. We will talk about the various components of the Yoga Lifestyle Program including diet, meditation, physical exercise, cleansing of the body and mind and kindness to yourself and others.

This class will provide participants with practical samples of Hatha Yoga, Recovery Yoga, Therapeutic Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Pregnancy Yoga, Cardio Yoga and Vinyasa Yoga.

Class facilitator Trudy Scott Prevost has practiced yoga for 40 years, completed a 2 year yoga teacher training program and has 20 years experience teaching yoga. Turn off your phones, take off your shoes, be in the moment and practice yoga.

4pm – 4:45pm
Free up all the way down to your DNA – An exploration of Gene Keys by Martha Cuffy: Nature Isle Wellness

Melt your stress away and learn how to build the strength and confidence to be yourself, no matter what life throws at you. After guiding you through a deep relaxation process and bringing smiles to your faces, Martha will then explore unique keys to unlocking your potential using Gene Keys – a contemporary teaching which creates new conditions for self-love, happiness and fulfillment, right inside your busy daily life. Learn to embrace and then transform the fear, deadness and suffering in yourself and the world through the power of your awakened and pure heart.

4:45 – 5:15pm
Prize Raffle Draw

5:15pm – 6pm
Martial Arts Demonstration – Purple Dragon Dojo

Be amazed and electrified by the powerful display of discipline, strength, agility and skill of the Purple Dragon Dojo. Led by Sensei Shannah Robin, a third degree black belt, the students of this local Karate class will show you their moves and leave you wide eyed, open mouthed and totally inspired at the true potential of the human body and mind.

All classes free of charge!

This event is part of Discover Dominica’s Tourism Awareness Month.

For more details call (767) 448 2045 or email terri@onelovelivity.com

The construction work valued at XCD Four hundred thousand dollars (XCD400,000) is expected to be completed by October 31^st of this year.  The Reception centre will cater for a reception area; four food vending units; two drinks and fruit vending units, two craft vending units, washrooms and change room facilities.

The tourism reception centre will serve as the main administrative hub for the Layou Improvement Committee and will aid in promoting the culinary and cultural aspects of the community.  The facility will also be used as a base for dispatching tours to attractions in the Layou area.

The construction of the Tourism Reception Centre is expected to tremendously enhanced both the aesthetic appeal of the area and provide for a more quality experience for locals and visitors coming to Layou.  This is also part of the Ministry of Tourism thrust to increase community tourism experiences in rural areas for the enjoyment of visitors and to improve the quality of life of persons living in those areas.

The SFA 2006 Tourism Sector Development Programme is a two year programme aimed at improving the competitiveness of the Tourism Sector in Dominica through capacity building, marketing and rural tourism development.

For further information please contact:

Esther Thomas
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Tourism and Legal Affairs
Tel:  266 3003

Or

Marvlyn James
Programme Coordinator
Tourism Sector Development Programme
Tel: 4406756

Posted: March 10th, 2010

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