Dominica strengthens ties with ICAO, aims World-Class Sustainable Tourism

The Minister of Tourism of Dominica, Denise Charles Pemberton has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to transform the aviation sector of the island. Shedding light at the ICAO Facilitation Conference 2025, the Minister shared Dominica’s bold vision of becoming the World’s First Climate-Resilient Nation and a World-Class Sustainable Tourism Destination.  

“To do so, we must provide seamless, secure, and efficient air and sea travel experiences while preserving the values of hospitality, health, and resilience that define our people and our tourism product,” noted Minister Charles.

She therefore, reiterated her commitment to implementing all the necessary steps in order to ensure both sustainability and resilience throughout the nation.  

Dominica’s International Chapter marks transformative chapter in aviation

The tourism minister also highlighted about the construction of the Dominica’s first International Airport, describing it as a ‘transformative’ chapter in the aviation sector. She added that this project marks a generational investment not only in infrastructure, but also in shaping and improving the future passenger experience.  

As the airport is being developed from the ground up, Minister Charles noted that they are committed to embedding ICAO’s Facilitation principles into their design and operations, prioritizing seamless movement, health security, and digital readiness. The tourism minister emphasised on the designs of the airport, stating that it will play a significant role in supporting increasing traffic while also meeting climate adaptation standards.

Minister Denise Charles also focussed on implementing integrated border management systems, ensuring the customs, immigration and public health protocols are harmonized, ensuring a safer and securer travel experience for all the passengers. 

“On exporting on expanding airport capacities, we underscore the importance of scalable infrastructure planning. For Dominica, this means integrating technology and sustainable design from the onset to anticipate growth without compromising on service standards or environmental integrity. We recognize that the facilitation of clearance and service operations depends heavily on interagency coordination,” said Tourism Minister Denise Charles. 

Dominica supports adoption of modernized facilities 

Emphasising on providing advanced experiences to the passengers, Minister Denise Charles noted that it is necessary to provide travellers a welcoming, safe and informed environment at every touch point. She therefore, recognized the significance of embracing digital solutions for documentation and declarations, reducing congestion, aimed at maintaining a warm and culturally reflective passenger environment throughout the process from check-in to final arrival.

She highlighted about Dominica’s support for modernized integrated terminal procedures across customs, immigration, and health. She added that all these data-driven strategies will not just enhance the airport facilities but will also optimize passenger flows. 

“We remain committed to working in ICAO and fellow member seats to deliver world class passenger experience that is safe, human centered, and future ready. Dominica is at a pivotal moment in his aviation development. Infrastructure, but also in the regulatory and human capacity required to ensure safe, efficient, and facilitative operations. But we cannot do this alone. The provision of technical assistance must be tailored to the realities of small states,” said Minister Denise Charles.