The Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) will be launching the inaugural Dominica Tourism Service Excellence Awards (TSEA), an initiative aimed at recognizing and honouring those who go above and beyond in quality, sustainability, and innovation in Dominica’s tourism industry.
Tourism Minister Denise Charles-Pemberton shared the news during her address in celebration of Tourism Awareness Month 2025 on Tuesday.
The award ceremony will highlight individuals in the areas of business and organization who demonstrate a strong commitment to service excellence.
“Government continues to invest in training across hospitality, tour guiding, culinary arts, and digital marketing. We’re building skills, confidence, and leadership in our people,” she said. “And this year, we are launching the Dominica Tourism Excellence Awards for the very first time, honoring those who go above and beyond in quality, sustainability, and innovation.”
Charles-Pemberton continued, “ We will celebrate our own and inspire others to reach even higher opportunity because tourism offers room for everyone from boutique resorts and rentals to excursions, farm-to-table experiences, and tour apps.”
She encourages the youth to pitch their ideas and build their brand.
“Now is the time. To our youth, don’t wait, sign up, pitch your ideas, build your brand, “Charles-Pemberton encouraged. “The future of tourism is yours.”
Furthermore, she pointed out that as part of this celebration, her ministry will host the Tourism Youth Congress and for the first time ever, crown a Tourism Youth Ambassador.
She thanked Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, tourism partners, stakeholders, and every Dominican citizen.
Award Categories:
o Tourism Service Excellence Award
The Tourism Service Excellence Award recognizes Nature Island Standards of Excellence (NISE) certified individuals or organizations that consistently deliver outstanding service, create memorable experiences for visitors, and set industry benchmarks for quality and satisfaction.
o Innovation in Tourism Award
The Innovation in Tourism Award recognizes creative approaches that transform the tourism industry, including new products, services, or technologies that enhance visitor engagement and address industry challenges. Nominees should demonstrate originality, measurable impact, and sustainability in their innovations.
o Sustainable Tourism Champion Award
The Sustainable Tourism Champion Award recognizes tourism initiatives that meaningfully contribute to local communities and preserve cultural heritage. The award honors those committed to sustainable tourism practices, focusing on environmental conservation, minimizing impacts, creating employment, and fostering economic and social development that benefits local communities.
o Community & Cultural Impact Award
The Community & Cultural Impact Award recognizes individuals or entities that use tourism as a vehicle for community empowerment, cultural preservation, and social development. It recognizes programs or projects that integrate local people, promote authentic Dominican traditions, support local artisans or performers, and bring socio-economic benefits to communities.
o Outstanding Tourism Experience Award
The Outstanding Tourism Experience Award recognizes an individual or organization offering a standout tourism product or experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors. The experience should reflect high standards of quality, safety, and engagement, while being uniquely Dominican. It can include land, sea, or cultural adventures that resonate with visitors, contribute to positive reviews, and repeat visitation.
o Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award
The Tourism Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated decades of outstanding commitment and contribution to the development of Dominica’s tourism sector. The recipient must have made a sustained and significant impact, influenced tourism policies or standards, mentored upcoming professionals, and been a role model in service excellence, innovation, or leadership.
o People’s Choice Tourism Champion 2025
This award is determined by public nomination and voting. It honors a tourism service provider who is widely loved and respected for their outstanding work and customer engagement. The recipient should be a community favourite who creates memorable experiences and has a strong, positive reputation across both local and visitor audiences.
