Dominica ranked "Most Affordable Island" in the Caribbean

Dominica has been ranked as the "Most Affordable Island in the Caribbean". The ranking was based on the cost of food, drinks, and accommodation, as well as the costs of visiting different attractions. A famous British publication released a list on Saturday, comprising six islands across the region and Dominica ranked on the top.  While featuring Dominica, the publication said that travellers can expect a lot from this island's natural beauty as it is dubbed as the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean".  The striking waterfalls, dramatic volcanoes and mountains, thick rainforests and mesmerizing beaches such as Soufriere or Toucari were also mentioned by The Independent as the main reason to visit the country once in a lifetime.  It also added that as the island is a little more difficult to reach, it has been saved from mass tourism and the effects which come directly with it, resulting in many of the unique things to do being either free or extremely affordable for travellers. 

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The Independent highlighted the 'Must-Do' things in Dominica for every traveller:

• Hike to the Boiling Lake, Trafalgar Falls and Titou Gorge
• Taking a dip in the Emerald Pool and hiking the 124-mile Waitukubuli National Trail
• Snorkelling or Scuba Diving at Champagne Reef or Scotts Head 
• Going on wildlife spotting tours and taking boat rides down the Indian River

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The Independent mentioned that all these activities are either free or more reasonable than other islands, as one can take a river tour for just £12 and experience snorkelling for £25. It also emphasized that the foods, drinks and accommodation are also usually cheaper in Dominica than the most Caribbean Islands. As the detailed article, the meals in Dominica is modest eateries can cost as little as £5.  Other than this, The Independent also highlighted the Rosalie Bay Eco Resort and Spa as an affordable accommodation for visitors. The rooms in this resort are available from £133 per night.  [caption id="attachment_66309" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Rosalie Bay Eco Resort and Spa (PC - Facebook)[/caption] The resort is ideal in keeping with Dominica's natural surroundings and has several comfortable rooms, which provide a perfect base for exploring the beauty of the island, it added. 

While addressing the travellers, it said, "Rosalie Bay's idyllic location, surrounded by beautiful hills and just a few metres from the beach, gives the chance for peaceful relaxation when you are not out adventuring."

The list of the 6 of the most affordable destinations in the Caribbean by The Independent is as follows:

1. Dominica 
2. Dominican Republic
3. Barbados
4. Trinidad and Tobago
5. Grenada
6. St Kitts and Nevis

Thriving Tourism in Dominica 

It is to be noted that the government of the Commonwealth of Dominica is working continuously to expand the tourism sector of the country. Every year, the island welcomes a huge number of visitors by air and cruise.  Usually, the travellers want to visit the island again because of its affordable nature, warm hospitality by locals and a lot of things to do and explore. Also, the country hosts a number of unique festivals, including Mas Domnik, which attracts a massive number of tourists annually. This year, Dominica is witnessing a thriving cruise season, with hundreds and thousands of passengers exploring the shores of the island while disembarking at various tourist sites. 

International Airport

In order to boost tourism, the government has also heavily invested in constructing a world-class International Airport. Once completed, this airport is expected to bring a tremendous boost to the tourism sector in Dominica. As per the government, this new infrastructure will be capable of handling long-haul flights, bringing the nation several new opportunities. It will also raise the scope of the country's airlift capabilities and connectivity with the rest of the world.  [caption id="attachment_61932" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Ongoing work at the International Airport Site (Image as of October 16, 2023 by GIS Dominica)[/caption] The construction will also ease both inter-regional and international travel. It will benefit not only the people of Dominica but also the rest of the Caribbean. The value of International Airport Project has been valued at EC $1.3 Billion in direct construction cost.  Notably, the machinery and heavy equipment for the building of the international airport arrived in the nation during the first quarter of 2023. The work on the airport is continuing rapidly, with the land being set up properly for the infrastructure to stand.

Cable Car 

In another development, the country is also working to build the world's longest Cable Car, which will travel 4.5 miles above some of the island's most beautiful views. It will take people from Roseau to the Boiling Lake, which is Dominica's major tourist attraction.  The cable car project will give a safe and quick passage for the visitors to the boiling lake, which currently takes a 6 hours trek. [caption id="attachment_66166" align="aligncenter" width="681"] Work on 4.1-mile cable car line begins in Dominica[/caption] This project will be a major attraction upon completion, boosting the tourism sector and bringing more tourists to the Commonwealth of Dominica.  This shows that despite being the most affordable country in the Caribbean, the island boasts some of the most unique attractions and will be a major tourist destination this year. 

World's First Sperm Whale Sanctuary

Not only the International Airport and the Cable Car, but the country is also working to establish a Sperm Whale Reserve for the Whale population around the island. This reserve will span 800 square kilometres. [caption id="attachment_62496" align="aligncenter" width="688"] Sperm Whales in Dominica[/caption] The major aim of this reserve is to protect the species under increased threat from human activities.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6LbXiiJ_Ww[/embed]

The decision was taken recently after the government of Dominica witnessed that the country is one of the rare areas where whales can be seen throughout the year. Around 200 whales live near Dominica, which will be taken care of in this Sanctuary.