A new International Labour Organization (ILO) study has called for better working conditions in Dominica's tourism sector and more support to help small businesses move into the formal economy.
The study, titled «Informality in the tourism sector in the Caribbean», examines the tourism industries of several Caribbean nations, including Dominica. It highlights the prevalence of informal employment in the sector and recommends measures to improve job quality and business formalisation.
According to the ILO, informal work is widespread in Caribbean tourism, where many workers are employed without contracts, social security, or basic protections. The study argues that formalising these jobs would benefit both workers and the wider economy.
For Dominica, where tourism is a key pillar of the economy, the findings are particularly relevant. The sector supports thousands of jobs directly and indirectly, from hotels and tour operators to craft vendors and taxi drivers. Many of these workers operate informally, leaving them vulnerable to economic shocks and without access to social safety nets.
The ILO recommends that governments and industry stakeholders work together to create incentives for small businesses to register and comply with labour regulations. This includes simplifying registration procedures, providing access to finance, and offering training and capacity-building programmes.
Improved working conditions in tourism would also enhance the visitor experience, the study suggests, as formalised businesses tend to offer more reliable and higher-quality services. This, in turn, could boost Dominica's competitiveness as a destination.
The study comes as Dominica continues to rebuild and diversify its tourism product following the devastation of Hurricane Maria in 2017. The island has been promoting community-based tourism, eco-tourism, and cultural heritage, with a focus on the Kalinago Territory and the Waitukubuli National Trail.
Labour officials in Dominica have not yet issued a formal response to the study. However, the findings align with ongoing regional discussions on decent work and sustainable development, particularly within the framework of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
The ILO has urged Caribbean governments to adopt a multi-sectoral approach, involving ministries of labour, tourism, finance, and trade, as well as employers' and workers' organisations. Social dialogue is seen as essential to ensuring that reforms are practical and inclusive.
For small business owners in Dominica, the transition to formality can be challenging. Many cite high costs, complex paperwork, and a lack of information as barriers. The ILO study recommends targeted support, such as one-stop shops for business registration and tailored advisory services.
Women and young people are disproportionately represented in informal tourism work, the study notes. Formalisation efforts should therefore be gender-sensitive and youth-focused, with measures to improve access to education and skills training.
The ILO's findings are expected to feed into national and regional policy discussions on tourism development and labour market reform. As Dominica seeks to build a more resilient and inclusive economy, the recommendations offer a roadmap for improving both job quality and business sustainability in the tourism sector.
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