Tourism (Regulations and Standards) Act No. 19 of 2005
The Tourism (Regulations and Standards) Act No. 19 of 2005 is one of Dominica’s most important legislative instruments for guiding the development and regulation of its tourism industry. Enacted by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Dominica, this Act provides the legal framework to support quality assurance, certification, and the introduction of standards across all areas of tourism services. It is also the legal foundation behind the establishment of the Nature Island Standards of Excellence (NISE) program—a national certification scheme designed to improve service delivery and competitiveness within the sector.
Purpose and Legislative Scope
The purpose of the Act is to establish a formal regulatory system to support a professional, efficient, and visitor-focused tourism industry. The Act aims to raise service standards, promote sustainability, and ensure the delivery of consistent, high-quality visitor experiences throughout Dominica. By enforcing standards and introducing a national certification scheme, the law helps Dominica achieve its long-term economic development and improve its global positioning as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean.”
It applies to a wide range of tourism service providers, including but not limited to:
- Accommodation providers (hotels, guesthouses, eco-lodges)
- Tour guides and tour operators
- Taxi drivers and transport services
- Food and beverage providers targeting tourists
- Vendors, artisans, and souvenir shops
- Water sports and adventure tourism businesses
Creation and Structure of the NISE Program
A key component of the Act is the formal establishment of the Nature Island Standards of Excellence (NISE) program. This certification mechanism is designed to classify, rate, and accredit tourism service providers based on specific quality and performance criteria. The standards are developed by the General Manager of the National Development Corporation, in consultation with the Dominica Bureau of Standards. They must be published in the Official Gazette and made publicly available.
The NISE program provides national benchmarks for service excellence, drawing from international best practices while tailoring the framework to Dominica’s unique ecological and cultural context. The goal is not only to regulate existing providers but to raise the bar for service delivery industry-wide.
Licensing, Enforcement, and Compliance
The Act mandates that all operators in the regulated categories must obtain a license and comply with the standards set by NISE to operate legally. This licensing requirement creates a unified approach to quality control across the tourism sector. Inspections, training, and audits are also required under the Act, ensuring ongoing compliance.
A Quality Assurance Unit is established to monitor implementation, conduct site visits, and guide businesses. This unit is empowered to take corrective actions where standards are not met, including suspending or revoking certification.
Goals and Long-Term Vision
The overarching objectives of the legislation include:
- Setting reliable and transparent quality standards
- Encouraging professionalism and innovation
- Improving Dominica’s tourism brand and marketability
- Supporting sustainability and environmental awareness
- Providing training and capacity building for local tourism workers
By aligning local tourism services with international standards, the Act supports increased visitor satisfaction, positive reviews, repeat business, and national pride in service excellence. It also provides the legislative basis for Dominica’s tourism to compete more effectively in regional and global markets.