Minister of Tourism reports 488,091 total visitors last year, with cruise and stay-over arrivals driving economic growth and marking historic increases.
Dominica: An estimate of EC405.5 million dollars in direct spending was generated in the country’s tourism industry as the island experienced strong tourism performance and hit historic all-time high stay over arrivals in 2025.
Dominica’s tourism sector has recorded an outstanding performance in the previous year, reflecting continued growth and resilience.
Based on the account given by the country’s Minister of Tourism, International Transport and Maritime Initiatives, Denise Charles- Pemberton, the Nature Island’s tourism industry has seen approximately EC 405.5 million dollars in direct visitor spending for the year 2025.
On February 4, 2026, Minister Denise Pemberton reported that the island’s economy was greatly impacted by tourism. The Minister announced that the total visitor arrivals for last year, as of December 31,2025, had reached 488,091. This, she stated, represented ‘a 13 percent increase over 2024, and a 49 percent increase compared to 2019 before the pandemic.’
She went on to add that December’s stay over arrivals has increased by 20 percent which set the momentum for 2026. She classified that total stay over arrivals for 2025, including yachts, were the highest ever recorded for the island with the number standing at 112,195 and reflecting an 80 percent increase compared to 2024.
The cruise industry was singled out as a primary driver of the 2025 performance, noting of its continued strength throughout the year.
“Our cruise sector also performed well. Cruise passenger arrivals reached 375,646, a 12 percent increase over 2024 and the highest full year figure since 2011,” stated Minister Pemberton.
The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s firm commitment to the people of Dominica as she spoke of the investments being made to increase visitor arrivals and stimulate economic growth. She noted the government’s investments in ports, accommodation and destination marketing are now “bearing fruits.”
The tourism minister acknowledged the hard work and effort from the tourism team, private partners and the citizens which has played a major role in the country seeing an increase in visitor arrivals and spending.
“This progress reflects the hard work of our tourism team, our private sector partners and the many Dominicans who play their part every day. Most importantly this growth means more jobs, stronger businesses and greater resilience for Dominican families.”