The Importance of Multi-Destination Routes for the Regional Integration

Greetings Buenos Dias On behalf of the Prime Minister the Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, it is my pleasure to represent my island Dominica, here today at the 12th International Tourism Fair.

Hurricane Maria On September 18th our country was hit by Hurricane Maria, which caused major damage to our island. We want to thank all those who came to our rescue, especially the Government of Venezuela.

Venezuela to our assistance Your Government quickly sent food and water, and aid workers to assist us. One of the missions conducted by the brigade included the rescue of a family of four that was trapped inside of a vehicle for five days near the town of Castle Bruce. GRACIAS

Impacts of Climate Change The impact of Climate Change is real as can be seen in this before and after pictures. Our Oceans have gotten warmer, increasing the intensity of storms, causing more damage.

Progress Made With your help we have been able to acheive much to clean our beautiful island, especially many of our Tourism sites which attract our visitors.

Progress Made Our Indian river, was filled with fallen trees which we have managed to cut and clear.

Nature Healing Herself Nature heals itself over time, once we too take care of our islands.

Multi Destination Tourism A multi destination tourism trip is defined as a single trip that includes the visit to more than one destination. hghghghghgh Therefore, a multi-destination tourism concept implies a strategy shared by two or more countries that offer and promote a joint product or route.

Multi Destination Tourism Tourism has become an important sector that has an impact on development of a country’s economy. The main benefits of tourism are foreign currency generation, income creation and generation of jobs hghghghghgh

Multi-Destination Opportunities Our islands must take this opportunity to positively exploit our long historical friendship and complimentary product in many ways the outcome of this joint initiative would be i) a broader source market, ii) more opportunities to promote, iii) wider range of products, iv) merging of resources – sea and sand in one, rivers and valleys in another, v) Seamless access/gateway to/from Europe, vi) economic activity from increased visitor arrivals

DOMINICA PRODUCT OFFERINGS Courtesy DDA Pics

Product Differentiation Both islands should focus on the strength of each island’s product offerings. Dominica: Nature, Rainforests, Waterfalls, Boiling Lake, Rivers Culture Kalinago, Creolite, Heritage Traditional and contemporary music events Adventure Hiking, diving, Whale watching, Wellness - Natural spas

Product Differentiation… Guadeloupe: Beaches – Sun, Sand and Sea Cuisine French Creole, and International Cuisine Culture Mix of French and Caribbean Events Focus on complementary and contrasting product offerings.

Kalinago Barana Aute

Dominica Boiling Lake and the Valley of Desolation

Dominica Diving and Whale Watching

World Creole Music Festival Courtesy DDA Pics

Carnival Courtesy DDA Pics

Implementation Process Decide on thematic for joint packages Utilize strong Tour Operators in source markets Provide Strong Program support Partner with local Tour Operators Offer options to consumers among like product offerings price point and quality of product

Sample Tour Offerings… Ken Hinterland Adventure Tour and Taxi Service Sample Tour offering. Exotic Waterfalls Snorkeling Wedding Arrangements Kalinago Experience Bird Watching Photo Safari French Inquiries Family Getaway Package Airport Transfers Walking The Emerald Pool Trail

Sample Tour Offerings A Sample of Jungle Bay’s Tour offering. The Jungle Spa Adventure Package includes: Airport or ferry pick-up and drop-off Accommodations in private jungle cottage (with 1 king bed or 2 double beds) Organic meals and fresh tropical juices - Sample Restaurant Menu Daily scheduled hikes & activities around Dominica - excursions to explore hidden waterfalls, ocean pools, and natural hot springs, as well as the better known Dominica attractions like the Boiling Lake (in the UNESCO World Heritage Site); other outdoor activities including ocean kayaking, and snorkeling - Activities Schedule Half-hour daily spa treatments - Spa services list Morning Yoga (courtesy www.Junglebaydominica.com)