The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has launched a new online destination training programme designed to give travel advisors the tools and knowledge they need to promote and sell Dominica to travellers. The course is being delivered through Online Travel Training (OTT), a platform used by tourism boards worldwide to reach travel trade professionals.
The initiative is part of the DDA's broader strategy to strengthen Dominica's presence in the global travel market by investing in the frontline sellers of travel — the advisors who recommend destinations to their clients. By offering the training online, the authority can reach advisors across key source markets without the cost and logistics of in-person workshops.
The programme is expected to cover essential aspects of the destination, including Dominica's natural attractions such as the Boiling Lake, the Waitukubuli National Trail and the twin Pitons, as well as its cultural heritage, including Creole traditions and the Kalinago Territory. Travel advisors who complete the course will be better positioned to craft itineraries and answer client questions about the Nature Isle.
Tourism remains a vital pillar of Dominica's economy, alongside agriculture and fisheries. The sector supports jobs in hospitality, transportation, tour operations and related services. The DDA has consistently sought to raise the island's profile in the Caribbean cruise and stay-over markets, and training travel advisors is seen as a cost-effective way to generate bookings and referrals.
The online format allows advisors to learn at their own pace and at no cost in many cases, removing barriers to participation. OTT platforms typically offer modules that include destination overviews, product knowledge, and selling tips, often culminating in a certification that advisors can use to demonstrate their expertise to clients.
For Dominica, the move comes as the island continues to rebuild and reposition its tourism product following the devastating 2017 hurricane season. The DDA has been working to attract visitors interested in eco-tourism, adventure travel and cultural experiences — niches that align well with Dominica's unspoiled landscapes and community-based offerings.
Travel advisors who complete the training will be able to speak with authority about what sets Dominica apart from other Caribbean destinations, from its geothermal springs and diving sites to its annual World Creole Music Festival and Carnival celebrations. That kind of first-hand knowledge can be the difference between a client choosing Dominica or another island.
The DDA has not yet announced how many advisors it hopes to reach or which markets will be prioritised, but the launch signals a continued push to keep Dominica top-of-mind among travel professionals. As the global travel industry recovers, such training programmes are becoming a standard tool for destinations seeking to capture a share of pent-up demand.
Advisors interested in the course can find it on the Online Travel Training platform. The DDA is expected to promote the programme through its trade contacts and social media channels in the coming weeks.
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