Dominica Records Strong Tourism Growth in 2025
Tourism in Dominica continued to expand in 2025, with figures confirming record growth in visitor arrivals and increased spending, according to Minister for Tourism, Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton.
Hon. Charles-Pemberton says the latest statistics are a clear sign that the Government’s strategic investments in the sector are paying off.
As at December 31, 2025, total passenger arrivals reached 488,091 visitors, representing a 13 percent increase over 2024 and a 49 percent increase compared to 2019, the last full year before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Particularly encouraging, the Minister noted, was the strong performance at the end of the year.
“Stay over arrivals increased by 20% showing strong demand during the peak travel period and giving us real momentum going into 2026. Overall, stay-over arrivals, including yachts, reached 112,195 visitors, an 18% increase over 2024 and the highest on record.
“Pure stay-over arrivals stood at 98,734 visitors, also reflecting 18% growth over last year and 10% above pre-pandemic levels,” she said.
According to the Minister, the cruise sector also delivered a strong performance in 2025. Cruise passenger arrivals reached 375,646, representing a 12 percent increase and the highest figure recorded since 2011.
“In economic terms, tourism generated an estimated EC405.5 million in direct visitor spending in 2025 taking into account the wider economic impact, including transport, agriculture, construction, services and the many small businesses that tourism supports,” she noted.
Minister Charles-Pemberton said that as major national investments such as the international airport, marina development and cruise village come on stream, the total contribution of tourism to Dominica’s economy is moving steadily toward the EC$1 billion mark.
“These results show clearly that Government’s investments are bearing fruit, particularly in access ports, accommodation and destination marketing,” the Minister said. “This progress reflects the hard work of our tourism team, our private sector partners and the many Dominicans who play their part every day.”
She added that beyond the numbers, tourism growth translates directly into improved livelihoods.
“Most importantly, this growth means more jobs, stronger businesses and greater resilience for Dominican families.”
The Minister expressed appreciation to all visitors who chose Dominica in 2025, as well as tourism workers and partners across the sector for their continued commitment.
“Dominica is on the move,” she said, “and this is only the beginning.”
