ROSEAU, Dominica – Dominica is predicting a “busy” cruise season with an estimated 262 cruise ship calls during the 2021-22 season even as the island continues to urge citizens to adhere to the protocols aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Cruise ship in Dominican port (File Photo)“We expect to have a busy winter season which is great for our country,” said Tourism Minister, Denise Charles, noting that the season, which began with the arrival of the MV Celebrity Equinox on October 1, will benefit from the resumption of cruise ship tourism.
“I must say thank you to all our stakeholders…for the successful restart of cruise tourism in July. We had seven calls for the summer. We had harmonized protocols in the region on cruise, therefore we were able to provide a safe corridor for our cruise passengers as all players were vaccinated.
“For the official cruise season, normally referred to as the winter season, we expect 262 calls, mainly from TUI Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity,” she said, adding that in discussions with tour operators is that there is need for more Coaster buses”
She said that this situation presents a great opportunity for entrepreneurs, recalling that In 2019, the government approved concessions for Coaster buses five years or less, inclusive of a waiver of import duty and excise tax.
“Tourism is everybody’s business. So I want to encourage us to put the welfare of each other and our economy first as many livelihoods are dependent on tourism and many more can benefit if we reach herd immunity as protocols can be relaxed.”
Charles said she would be travelling to Panama to attend 27th annual Florida Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) conference scheduled for October 18-21.
She said she would be using the event “to further strengthen existing relationships with cruise partners”.
She urged Dominicans to be “true patriots” and help curb the spread of the coronavirus, adding “this is our independence season, so as true patriots let’s do something for our country.
“Let’s stand together in our fight against this deadly plague and return to a state of normalcy. Get vax, for you, for me, for us,” Charles added.
