Carnival 2026 Records 13% Increase in Visitor Arrivals- Tourism Minister
Minister for Tourism, Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton is reporting that 9,300 visitors arrived in Dominica in the two weeks leading up to Carnival 2026, representing a 13 percent increase over the same period in 2025.
Air arrivals increased by 14 percent and sea arrivals grew by 11 percent, while arrivals on Carnival Friday alone rose by 38 percent compared to the previous year, indicating that more visitors are travelling specifically to experience Dominica’s Carnival product.
The Minister attributed the success to government’s investments in access to the destination.
“Upgrades to the Douglas Charles airport and increased flight capacity from 5,379 seats to over 8,000 have strengthened our ability to welcome visitors for major festivals such as Carnival,” she said adding that deliberate investments in marketing and product development have also bolstered the festival’s impact.
“Our Bouyon artistes continue to carry Dominica’s culture to regional and international audiences with recent recognition by BET,” she noted.
She said that as festival tourism expands, its economic impact is being felt across the country by micro, small and large businesses in accommodation, transportation, food services, retail and entertainment.
The Minister commended the Dominica Festivals Committee, Discover Dominica Authority, the National Bank of Dominica, sponsors, the Dominica Police Force, NEP workers, event organizers, volunteers, carnival groups, costume bands and carnival patrons at home and abroad for their collective contribution to the success of Carnival 2026.
Upcoming events on the national festival calendar include the Gospel Festival on February 28 at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium and Jazz ‘n Creole on May 3, 2026 at the Cabrits in Portsmouth.
