I live in the Caribbean (Dominica, West Indies)...want to visit?

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  1. hinazille profile image82
    hinazilleposted 13 years ago

    Im thinking of setting up packages for tourists who wish to visit Dominica...its a gorgeous island with only about 60,000 residents, but the scenery is absolutely breathtaking!!!!

    I want to offer:
    - accommodation packages (food & board)
    - island tours
    - airport pick up and drop off
    - on call pharmacist for all health advice

    if you were offered a package like this - how much would you be willing to pay?

  2. goldenpath profile image67
    goldenpathposted 13 years ago

    Consider expanding your campaign to include certain island places and/or cultural events.  Also collaborate with other businesses and services to sweeten the deal.  Consider the times we live in.  The economy is still not that great.  Fuel will be in excess of $5 a gallon and food prices are also going up.  For many, vacations are not on the priority list.  However, there will always be those selected people who are able and willing to go.

    Sounds like fun!

    1. hinazille profile image82
      hinazilleposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      thanks for your input Goldenpath - it is much appreciated!!

      I just moved to the island so i need to find out a little more about the cultural events although im currently experiencing Carnival time in Dominica at this moment...lots of local talent, bands & overall festivities!!

      Point taken about the vacations not being high on the priority list though!

  3. superwags profile image66
    superwagsposted 13 years ago

    Yes, is it free? I have no money!

    1. hinazille profile image82
      hinazilleposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      LOL i wish it could be free!! wouldnt that be great?


      It is an absolutely stunning island though filled with natural water falls, hot water pools and sulphur baths - doesnt get any better than that!

      Have you been to the Caribbean before?

      1. meevamarie profile image61
        meevamarieposted 12 years agoin reply to this

        am interested in moving there, and would need a place to stay at first. I need a contact person and perhaps you could be the one. I am also a marketing person, and there are lots of things you could offer new visitors. Contact me via email.

  4. profile image0
    ryankettposted 13 years ago

    Sounds like you need to produce a business plan, to find the price that the market is willing to pay rather than ask the general public.

    And that means working out how much each of the things that you offer would cost seperately to the tourist and then deducting a fair bit seeing as the whole point in package holidays is to save money.

    Unless your accommodation is something special I suspect that you would have a hard time competing with the major hotels, seeing as they effectively give away rooms at the moment.

    You need to get your accommodation ranked too by the local tourist board who will subsequently give it a star rating. If they give it 3/5 then you look at what other 3 star establishments are asking.

    1. hinazille profile image82
      hinazilleposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Hey thanks for your response - all perspectives are important!

      I do need to produce a business plan, I just came up with the idea and was wondering about the marketability of such a project...you know like getting some field research done?

      but you are totally correct about working out the individual components and then applying a discount - after all why should they book through me otherwise?

      and regarding accomodation, I am not offering my own...i would be acting as an agent almost (like a travel agent) and making deals with local hotels and apartments - they tend to give locals muchhhh cheaper options than tourists!!

      what ballpark range would you feel is suitable for a package holiday to a natural haven like dominica if you had food, 3-5* accomodation and island tours included in it for lets say 2 weeks?

  5. profile image51
    cvrsuezkimwposted 13 years ago

    Hello hinazille,

    I just came across your post and was excited to see it.

    Regarding your idea, I do have some thoughts and I will be glad to share them with you on this site.

    I'm wondering, however, if you would be willing to communicate with me off-site on some other issues.  As one who has a strong interest in moving to Dominica, I am very interested in your perspective, experiences and thoughts regarding Dominica, especially as you have just recently moved there.  Would you be open to this?

    Thanks.

    cvrsuezkimw@powdermail.com

  6. profile image51
    cvrsuezkimwposted 13 years ago

    hinazille,

    As I mentioned in my previous post, I do have some thoughts and possible suggestions for you.  And don't be bothered if I mention/suggest some things you already understand.  I'm giving you my take on things.

    Dominica is anything but the typical "Caribbean Getaway."  There are few things that I think would be a draw to the "typical" tourist.  Not much in the way of white, sandy beaches, at least of the type that can be readily seen on other Caribbean islands.  Also, neither of Dominica's airports is large enough to accommodate the large aircraft capable of bringing in hundreds of travelers at a time.  And don't forget that scheduled night landings are presently not available, although LIAT is planning on starting such this year.  Further, I think you'll find the type of tourists who would have an interest in Dominica are nature lovers, as opposed to beach-combers, night-lifers and those big on being entertained.  Consider that Dominica, being what it is, "The Nature Island of the Caribbean," attracts scuba divers, mountain climbers, nature lovers, whale watchers, etc.

    Also, I'm curious about how many name-brand hotels/motels Dominica has.  While you'll likely be able to work out deals with local businesses, they'll have to be geared to the aforementioned type of tourist, especially those who are less concerned about whether or not their accommodations have a casino, "Five-Star service," etc.

    Keep in mind as well that most tourists who come there do so by way of cruises.  It seems to me that directing your efforts to those folks will reap larger rewards than working with those who come by plane.

    Are you aware of others who currently offer what you're wanting to offer?  If so, check out what they offer and what they charge.  Also, how did YOU come to find about Dominica?  Was it through a tourist package?  If so, what things did or did they not offer that might be something for you to consider (not) offering?  How would you have done it better?

    I hope this helps.  And, again, I'm looking forward to communicating with you off-site.

    Thanks.

    cvrsuezkimw

 
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