ROSEAU, Dominica – The Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) says it is looking forward to the delivery of the geothermal energy project that the government expects to come on stream later this year.
DHTA president, Kitwana Ferreira.“We have to look at energy and competitiveness….We look forward to the delivery of the geothermal energy, an initiative that has the potential to transform the cost structure of doing business in Dominica,’ said the re-elected DHTA president, Kitwana Ferreira.
“Lower, more competitive energy costs will improve business viability, increase investment attractiveness, strengthen our overall tourism product,’ said Ferreira.
The 100-megawatt plant, valued at US$34.8 million, will be the second geothermal facility in the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the first within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Dominica is one of five OECS member states participating in the GEOBUILD Programme, supported by the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), which seeks to expand geothermal development in the Eastern Caribbean.
Initial geothermal exploration in the Roseau Valley dates back to around 2010, when Icelandic consultancy ÍSOR began advising the government on the country’s geothermal potential. The drilling programme, completed in 2023, delivered two strong wells, each designed for its respective role in production and reinjection.
A local subsidiary, the Geothermal Power Company of Dominica, was established to own and operate the facility during the term of the resource agreement. Under the current structure, ownership of the plant is expected to be transferred to the Dominica government once the 25-year resource concession expires.
Ferreira is also calling for more deeper and structured engagements between government and the private sector, noting that when policy and industry move in alignment, the entire country benefits.
“Sustainable financing for tourism is important. One of the most critical issues before us is how we fund tourism sustainability. Destination marketing, site maintenance, and trail management cannot continue to operate with funding gaps.
“We must move towards fair and transparent visitor-based contributions, a well-managed independently administered fund, and a system that is equitable across stayovers and cruise visitors,” said Ferreira, adding that the country also has to “look again at airlift and access.
“Airlift remains one of the most important drivers for our growth. The progress we’ve seen over the last 12 and 24 months clearly demonstrates this. We must continue to strengthen direct access from key source markets, improve regional connectivity, and support the long-term success of our international airports,” said Ferreira, as she outlined the DHTA’s strategic vision for 2026–2027.
