Airport project in Wesley

In Wesley, located in the northeast of Dominica, the construction of an international airport is expected to improve access to the island, which is seeing a rise in tourist traffic. The goal is to attract more visitors while maintaining what makes Dominica unique in the Caribbean: its volcanic landscapes, tropical forests, and small-scale accommodations. The government has set the completion of the airport for the second quarter of 2028.

Tourism promotion efforts

Michel Salbot, the representative of the Dominica Tourism Office in France, emphasizes the island's potential and the importance of showcasing it to the world. He believes the new airport will help promote Dominica by making travel from abroad easier, especially with direct connections from Europe. Although talks with Air Caraïbes and Corsair have taken place, no new flight services have been confirmed yet.

Growing tourism numbers

Dominica's tourism sector is already expanding, as shown by a government report from February 2026. The island welcomed 488,091 passenger arrivals in 2025, a 13% increase from the previous year. This includes 98,734 leisure visitors, up 18% from 2024, and 375,646 cruise passengers, up 12%. Direct visitor spending reached 405.5 million Eastern Caribbean dollars, approximately 134 million euros.

Continued growth in 2026

The growth in tourism continued in early 2026, with a 10% rise in visitor arrivals in the first quarter, according to Marva Williams of the Discover Dominica Authority. The cruise season from October 2025 to April 2026 saw 409,761 passengers, a 23% increase from the previous season. Most visitors from Guadeloupe and Martinique arrive by boat, while North Americans and Europeans currently reach the island via flights to the regional Douglas-Charles airport. The new airport is expected to expand these markets further.

Natural attractions of Dominica

In the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors can explore tropical forests, hot springs, waterfalls, and volcanic landscapes, including Lake Bouillant. The Waitukubuli hiking trail spans the island in 14 sections. Diving and whale watching are also popular activities. A marine reserve dedicated to sperm whales was established by the Dominica Parliament in October 2025, with an implementation committee approved in March 2026.

Tourism options in Dominica

There are several ways to visit Dominica, including guided hiking tours, catamaran cruises, luxury cruises, hotel stays, and custom tours. For example, Nomade Aventure offers a hiking-focused tour, while Catlante Catamarans provides an eight-day cruise from Pointe-à-Pitre. Costa Croisières plans a stop in Dominica during a 2027 cruise, and Exotismes allows for hotel stays with personalized visits. Evaneos offers tailored 11 or 15-day tours that combine visits to Martinique and Dominica.

Sustainable tourism concerns

The increase in tourism raises concerns about preserving Dominica's unique model. Michel Salbot emphasizes that the island aims for "reasoned and reasonable tourism" rather than mass tourism, stressing the need to protect the natural environment. While high-end accommodations are present, the island also wants to maintain a more accessible option, such as guesthouses and cottages, which are seen as part of the travel experience.

Development around the airport

The government is preparing a development plan for the northeast of the island, particularly around Wesley and Woodford Hill, to manage the growth of housing, commerce, and tourism activities linked to the new airport. This plan aims to ensure that the expansion supports the local economy while preserving the island's natural and cultural heritage.

Travel options from France

Currently, there are no direct flights from Metropolitan France to Dominica. Travelers can fly to Pointe-à-Pitre or Fort-de-France with Air France, Air Caraïbes, or Corsair, then take a ferry from FRS Express to Roseau. The ferry schedule includes several crossings from Guadeloupe and Martinique, with specific times and durations. Travelers should check the schedules, as they may change during technical stop periods.