Dominica Bounces Back From Tropical Storm Erika

Nov 07, 2015

Dominica_FEATURE — The Indian River in Dominica was one site unaffected by Tropical Storm Erika. // © 2015 Discover Dominica Authority

Back in August, the island of Dominica was rocked by Tropical Storm Erika. It was said that Dominica would be forced to spend half of its annual GDP to restore damaged infrastructure, which was islandwide, and that the cost would run into the tens of millions of dollars.

“Even though Tropical Storm Erika remained fairly disorganized as it crossed through the Caribbean, it still produced significant flooding and gusty winds, particularly across Dominica, the Dominican Republic and Haiti,” said Colin Piper, CEO and director of tourism for Discover Dominica Authority, the island’s tourism organization. “Roads were washed out, homes were damaged, and an airport flooded.”

Cleanup efforts have been swift. Major tourism sites unaffected by the storm include the Emerald Pool, Trafalgar Falls, the Freshwater Lake, Titou Gorge, Mero Beach, Cabrits National Park, the Indian River, Kalinago Barana Aute (Carib Model Village), Botanical Gardens in Roseau and Spanny Falls. According to Discover Dominica Authority, all of the island’s cruise ports are functional and easy to access.

In a bid to create confidence and strong word-of-mouth about the destination, Dominica is inviting travel professionals to experience the destination firsthand, with special offers from Caribbean airline LIAT and hotel partners.

“We encourage people to visit the Nature Island and experience the wide range of activities Dominica offers,” Piper said. “The Tourism Authority has embarked on a number of initiatives, including social media contests and travel agent airfare specials to let people know that the island is ready to welcome visitors to its shores.”

Discover Dominica Authority is partnering with LIAT to offer $100 off on return airfare for travel agents and tour operators visiting Dominica. This limited-time discount is available for LIAT flights from Antigua, Barbados, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe and St. Martin. The offer is available for flights booked and taken through Dec. 31, 2015. To book the offer, agents should send an e-mail to [email protected] and include “DOM Visit” in the subject line.

In addition, several Dominica hotels are extending special offers to travel professionals.

Fort Young, an oceanfront hotel located in the heart of Roseau, Dominica’s historic capital, is offering 50 percent off oceanfront rooms. The hotel has 73 guestrooms and suites. Amenities and features at the hotel include restaurants, rooftop Jacuzzis, an infinity pool, a gymnasium and a spa. The hotel is actually built upon the remains of a historic fort first built back in 1699, and the fort’s gunpowder magazine is now The Vault, the hotel’s main conference room.

The Champs, a three-star hotel in the village of Picard, in the northwest of Dominica, is offering 40 percent off a two-night-minimum stay. The hotel has marvelous sea views, as well as views of Cabrits National Park and Portsmouth, Dominica’s second-largest city. Room categories include Garden Rooms and Superior Rooms, which have the best ocean views. When booking, agents should use promo code LIATDDA2015.

Pagua Bay House is offering a 25 percent discount on rooms. The boutique hotel is conveniently located a few minutes away from Douglas-Charles Airport. The hotel’s rooms provide ocean views over Pagua Bay, and perks include free Wi-Fi access, Frette waffle-weave robes and rooms with Brazilian tigerwood floors. Use promo code FASTBREAK2015 when booking.

The Anchorage hotel, located in Castle Comfort, 1 mile south of Roseau, is offering 40 percent off rooms. The property has 12 Poolside Rooms, 19 Oceanfront Rooms, two restaurants (one is poolside), a bar and meeting rooms. Use promo code LIAT IP when booking.

Citrus Creek Plantation bills itself as an eco-village providing barefoot luxury. Located near La Plaine, on the east coast of Dominica, Citrus Creek is offering the fourth night free on its booked cottages. Agents will find a lot of variety to choose from, including a South African safari tent, a stone treehouse, a stone cottage and a small wooden garden cabin. Citrus Creek is bisected by the Taberi River and occupies 20 acres that are filled with fruit trees and organic gardens. Citrus Creek is also available as a buyout of the complete property, with accommodations for up to 30 guests.