Dominica Cruise Ship Sector Benefitting From Hurricane Irma

ROSEAU, Dominica, September 12, 2017 (CMC) – Dominica tourism sector is set to benefit from the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma on the Leeward Islands, after officials confirmed that the cruise ship, “Carnival Fascination”, is due here, on Tuesday.

Tourism and Urban Renewal Minister, Robert Tonge, said that because the Category 5 storm severely damaged the infrastructure in St. Martin and the British Virgin Islands, the cruise ship sector is benefiting from the arrival of the Carnival Fascination.

“Our season starts on the twenty-third of October, so this is out of the season, primarily because of their inability to go to the other islands that have been impacted. We do not know how many are coming, but we are ready to receive them and provide them with the best possible service,” Tonge said.

He said that the cruise ship will remain here, until 5.00 pm (local time) and all stake holders have already been contacted and made aware of the early arrival.

“All training has been done prior to the season. We want to ensure that persons remember these training and ensure that we provide the best possible service to the visitors when they come to Dominica,” Tonge said, expressing the hope that the islands impacted by the hurricane could rehabilitate the sector as quickly as possible.

The Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) has said that the island should receive more cruise ship calls as a result of the hurricane.

“This increased volume represents an opportunity for your business to put its best foot forward and provide world class service that will leave a lasting impression and justify return visits,” the DHTA said in a message to its members.