Village Stays Programme of Dominica

The Village Stays programme is a community-based tourism initiative developed to provide visitors with immersive, authentic experiences within Dominica’s rural communities. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, alongside local stakeholders and international development partners, the programme aims to decentralise tourism benefits, support rural livelihoods, and celebrate cultural preservation.

Community-Driven Cultural Experiences

The Village Stays programme encourages travellers to go beyond hotels and resorts by living among host families or within community-run guesthouses. Guests experience traditional Dominican cooking, storytelling, farming, herbal medicine, creole culture, and artisanal practices in everyday settings. Villages such as Grand Fond, Vieille Case, and Laudat have been among those considered or proposed for pilot implementation, with communities like Bellevue Chopin already familiar with sustainable community tourism models.

Strengthening Rural Economies

This initiative supports income diversification in rural Dominica by linking tourism directly with agriculture, local craft, and sustainable tourism. It opens economic pathways for farmers, cooks, tour guides, and artisans who often exist on the margins of the formal tourism industry. The programme also promotes community training in hospitality, small business management, and guest services, increasing capacity and confidence at the grassroots level.

Cultural Preservation and Sustainable Development

The programme helps safeguard intangible heritage by integrating traditional village life into visitor experiences. It aligns with Dominica’s broader goals of cultural sustainability and resilience, as echoed in government priorities for climate-resilient livelihoods and rural revitalization. Guests are also exposed to conservation efforts and can participate in activities like reforestation, organic farming, or guided hikes led by local experts.

Long-Term Vision and Global Appeal

With Dominica positioning itself as a leader in nature tourism, the Village Stays programme represents a model of tourism that prioritizes community wellbeing and ecological balance. It appeals especially to conscious travelers seeking ethical travel experiences rooted in culture, simplicity, and human connection. As the programme expands, it is expected to feature in national tourism promotion campaigns and potentially link with international platforms supporting eco-tourism and rural development.