Minister for Tourism Denise Charles-Pemberton has reported that more than 10,500 visitors came to Dominica for the 25th edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) last year.
She made the disclosure during the launch of this year’s festival over the weekend.
“Some people see a music festival; I see opportunity. I see hotels, guest houses, restaurants, taxi operators, vendors, tour guides, farmers, fisherfolk, hair stylists, makeup artists, designers, event planners, content creators, musicians, DJs, and countless other businesses benefiting from the festival economy,” she said. “That is why this government has invested, and continues to invest, millions of dollars in the tourism sector.”
Charles-Pemberton said tourism creates jobs, grows businesses, opens doors for young people, and improves lives.
“Last year, for the silver jubilee of the World Creole Music Festival, we achieved remarkable growth—a 48 percent increase—welcoming more than 10,500 visitors,” she revealed. “This year, we must do even better.”
Meanwhile, Minister of State with specific responsibility for Public Utilities, Telecoms and Broadcasting Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite said that, for three nights, the WCMF brings the world to Dominica.
“Long after the final performance, it continues to inspire people to visit, to return, and to share their own stories,” she stated. “That is the lasting value of this festival.”
She added that the WCMF is one of the most powerful invitations Dominica can extend to the world.
“That’s why this year’s theme, ‘Stay a While,’ resonates so deeply with us,” Lockhart-Hypolite noted. “It’s an invitation to experience more. Come for the music, then stay a while.”
“Discover the places that aren’t on your schedule. Enjoy the fringe events taking place across the island. Spend time in our communities. Meet the people who make Dominica feel like home,” she added. “Leave with a story that’s bigger than the festival itself. Because Dominica isn’t a destination you simply visit; it’s a destination you experience.”
