Topic

About Dominica Group

Rosy Barman Nazrul Islam ID 0712 ID 0710

BTHM- 7th Batch

(2nd Trimester) Course Teacher: Niranjan Shil

An assignment submitted for the fulfillment of the requirements Of the course Geography of Tourism of

Bachelor of Tourism & Hotel Management Of

IBAIS University
Dhaka Bangladesh
February, 2007

About Dominica Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-eek-a) sits midway along the Eastern Caribbean archipelago, just a few miles from Martinique to the south and Guadeloupe to the north. Its location is 15 degrees North latitude and 61 degrees West longitude. The island's official name is the Commonwealth of Dominica, which is mostly referenced in official communiqu and to distinguish the island from its northerly Caribbean sister, the Dominican Republic. The island is sparsely populated with around 70,000 people inhabiting its 289.5 square miles. Dominica is an arcadia of unspoiled nature. Tropical forest coats two thirds of the island, which nourishes 1,200 plant species. Rivers, lakes, streams, and waterfalls abound, fed by the islands high annual rainfall. Its volcanic physique points to extensive geothermal activity above and below sea level. Dominica's History As an island, Dominica is in relative puberty. It is only 26 million years old and is still evolving with continuous geothermal activity. It is one of the youngest islands in the Caribbean chain, formed by the shift of two tectonic plates. After the Ortoroids vanquished, the Arawaks came. Thereafter, the Caribs arrived and wiped them out; but when Columbus introduced colonization to Dominica in 1493, the same fate that befell the Arawaks was threatening the Caribs. Ignoring Waitukubuli, the Carib name for the island, the Spanish explorer renamed it Dominica because he landed on a Sunday. By the time the British and French had begun the battles for the island in the 1600s the Caribs' grip on the island had already begun to slide. They fought valiantly to keep it, and temporarily did so successfully, but the gunpowder assaults eventually drove them into the hills. The British and French fought repeatedly for control of Dominica. The island eventually escaped colonial fangs on November 3rd 1978, when it gained independence. Its embryonic independence era brought increased challenges, none the least was the complication of its political struggles. By the mid-1980s though, Dominica had settled down as a stable and peaceful country. The success of the banana trade, which was the island's major export, brought economic buoyancy to the island. Starting in 1992 however, Dominica saw sharp declines in banana export earnings with the loss of its preferential access on the UK market. Today, the Government of Dominica is investing heavily in tourism as the sector to drive the island's economic development.

Dominica's Culture & Heritage Dominica's rich culture comes from its mix of English, French, African, and Carib peoples. This is evident in our food, music, dance, language, and hospitality. Dominica's Carib People Properly known as the Kalinago, Dominica's indiginous people inhabit a 3,700 acres territory or reserve on the eastern coast of the island. Migrating in waves from South America from as early as the 3,000BC, various tribes made Dominica their home and by 1,000AD were well settled, calling the island "Wai'tukubuli" meaning 'Tall is her body' in the Kalinago language. Despite fiercely resisting European colonisation for centuries, the Kalinagos eventually succumbed to the disease, greed, and tyranny unleashed by the Spanish, English and French colonising forces. Their grip on the island slowly slipped away with each major European offensive. In 1903, the British Administrator of the time, Heskith Bell, agreed to allocate 3,700 acres to the Caribs, and also officially recognized the Carib Chief with ceremonial adornments and a financial allowance. Today, approximately 2,200 Caribs inhabit this enclave now known as the Carib Territory. Potential visitors should shred any delusion of finding a primitive people in grass skirts practicing primordial rituals. There is little to differentiate them for the rest of the population. However it is still possible to acquire a glimpse of their ancestral roots, especially from their craft, canoe building and physical attributes. Certainly, it is common to find outhouses in original tribal design teeming with traditional culinary activity. National Dress The Wob Dwiyet is the centrepiece of this stunning costume and is widely worn. The last Friday before Independence is Creole Day and all Dominicans will wear at least some variation of the national dress. Jing Ping Our traditional music, it is formally known as the Accordian Band and features the Bamboo Flute, the Boom Boom (a long bamboo wind instrument), the Gwaj (an idiophone) and of course the Accordian. National Dance Our Quadrille and Bele dances evoke a time of elegance but with a distinct Caribbean flavour. Market Day with A Difference Our markets are generally a riot of colour, but at Independence they embrace the mood. Each week at one market around the island vendors will dress in national costume, and Jing Ping will be playing! National Food Independence would not be complete without enjoying our unique dishes. Crab-backs, Callaloo, Titiwi accras are just some of the many delicious foods you'll be able to try at this time of year.

Diving & Water sports in Dominica Dominica offers many choices when it comes to watersports and scuba diving. Kayak on cool mountain lakes, swim in secluded river pools in the rainforest, river-tube down the river into the calm waters on the West Coast, or snorkel on pristine reefs... there really is something for everyone in Dominica. For scuba divers there is a huge choice of dive sites that will amaze even the most experienced divers: dramatic walls and pinnacles, pristine reefs, and amazing creatures are some of the main attractions. Our title as the "Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean" is no exaggeration . With 22 species sited in our waters and a 95% success record on whale watching tours it is a must do activity for visitors. Our deep waters close to shore also mean that we are one of the few places in the world to see the magnificent sperm whale. If you love water then come to Dominica! Whether to enter a new world of amazing creatures or to soak away your troubles, our waters await you. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling See gorgeous colourful reefs, spectacular walls, and unique "Champagne Bubbles." Whale Watching Dominica is the Whale Watching Capital of the Caribbean - find out why. Kayaking On the sea, in a lake, or in a river - a kayak is a great way to explore Dominica. River Tubing Splash down Dominca's longest river on a River Tubing excursion.

Hiking in Dominica is a diverse as it is breathtaking Nearly 300 miles of footpaths open up to some of Dominica's most spectacular sceneries and make this island a haven for hikers and nature-lovers. In almost every part of the country, trails weave their way into gorges and across valleys, climbing up to 4,000 foot mountains. Whatever your level of fitness there is a trail just right for you, each with a spectacular attraction at its conclusion. Novice hikers will discover that a relaxing fifteen minute stroll to the Trafalgar Falls reveals photographic vistas of a dense rainforest, twin cascades, warm pools, and rushing streams. For the average hiker, journeys to the Penrice, Middleham, Sari Sari, and Victoria Falls would be simply enchanting, and for the hardcore backpacker, the hours of trekking to attractions like the Perdu Temp, Boiling Lake, Morne Diablotin, or through the Waitukubuli trail would be a fitting challenge. Easy Hikes Take an easy stroll through the rainforest and discover a delightful waterfall like the Emerald Pool or Trafalgar Falls. Intermediate Hikes Looking for a longer hike? We've many that offer the most rewarding views. Serious Hikes With several peaks over 3,000 ft, there are some challenging hikes to be discovered! The Boiling Lake is a must for any serious hiker visiting Dominica. Aerial Tram Take a ride through the rainforest canopy. Biking Whether you like to ride on the road or off, biking in Dominica provides a thrilling and literally breathtaking experience. ATV & Horseback Riding Two unique ways to experience our rainforest! Sea Turtles Watching One of these magnificent creatures laying their eggs is second only to seeing the hatchlings run down the beach about two months later. The natural attractions of Dominica are a powerful elixir to stress Volcanic springs of therapeutic mineral water, lush rainforest with tranquil ambiences, flowing rivers, drinkable springs, cascades that avalanche from towering mountains, and a population which is among the most contented on the planet... It sounds like paradise and it is, at least as earthly as it could be. Spas, Natural Hot Pools & Resorts The Jungle Bay Resort and Spa has ensembled some of these attractions on 55 acres of jungle encircled by the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, which is a World Heritage Site (the first in the Eastern Caribbean). Thirty-five exquisite cottages perch on stilts with private outdoor showers. They blend with the rainforest and absorb the din of the ocean surf. The Resort pampers its guests with organic cuisines, yoga, Swedish massages, aromatherapy, and fine cosmetology that nourishes holistic wellness for rejuvenating the mind, body, and soul. Wellness, Dominica Style Dominica is home to a disproportionate number of Centenarians for its small population size. What accounts for this longetivy? Many believe it is the fresh fruits, herbal teas, clean air and healthy outdoor lifestyle that has helped so many Dominicans reach the landmark 100 years of age, or older. Dominca's natural green surroundings and flowing waters invite peace and serenity into the body and spirit. Visit us and see for yourself.

Festivals & Events in Dominica Dominica hosts major festivals throughout the year that provide a series of exciting activities. Continue... Carnival Known as Mas Domnik, it's famous as 'The Caribbean's most original Carnival'! World Creole Music Festival A celebration of Creole music. October. Dive Fest Our festival all about diving! Held in July, the climax is the exciting Carib Canoe Race. Independence Celebrating our Independence, culture & heritage! October-Nov. The climaxing week of Carnival presents a packed itinerary. A show is staged almost every week, whether it's the National Queen Show, the Teenage Pageant, the Junior Calypso Monarch, the Soca Fest or the National Calypso Finals. Carnival street bands also prepare for the two days of bacchanal by organizing private fetes. Dominica Festival of Arts (DOMFESTA), which runs from April to June, showcases theatrical and dance performances, concerts, and artistic workshops geared at developing local artistic expressions. The Dominica Watersports Association holds its annual Dive Fest at the end of June through to the beginning of July. The event provides whale watching deals, special dive packages snorkeling picnics, canoe racing, and marine educational tours. In the first week of August, the National Cultural Council and the Cultural Division organize a sequence of events to commemorate Emancipation Day, recognized on August 1st. But arguably, the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) is the social extravaganza of the year. It is a weekend of global Creole music held annually at the end of October. As many as five popular bands from different countries perform each night, from the early evening until the twilight of dawn. The WCMF blends with the island's independence celebrations and visitors to the festival also get a peek of Dominica's traditional cultural kaleidoscope. Dominica commemorates its Independence on November 3rd with a month of traditional cultural activities preceding that date. Throughout the year, villages remember patron saints by holding feasts. These are usually marked by community shows and competitions. The most popular are Fete Isidore held in Grand Bay and San Sauveur in June and St. Peter's Feast organized by villages along the island's west coast in June and July.