I am pleased to report that by all accounts, the 11th edition of Dominica’s Jazz ‘n Creole was a resounding success, after a two-year absence. This, after the successful hosting of special events during the Carnival season as pilots.
Jazz and Creole was the first major entertainment event in Dominica. Following a long wait, the energy at the festival was one of excitement and enjoyment. In addition to the mainstage, several other in-community activities which were held at various locations provided visitors to the destination with entertainment from Thursday into the weekend.!
There was a great turnout of over 1200 enthusiastic patrons, which exceeded our initial expectations. Several enhancements were made to this years edition of the festival. Patrons had the opportunity to bring their coolers, enjoy the grounds experience, or the Jazz n Creole VIP Experience for the first time.
The engaging performances included both local and foreign acts, backed by Breve. Other acts included dance, poetry and a live painting in memorial of the late Earl Ettienne.
The fashion segment featured local designer Bellanoir and this all contributed to the high standard of the event. The Dominique Boutique, another first for Jazz ‘n Creole, highlighted thirteen local wellness, craft and creative wear producers. Local cuisine from food and beverage vendors all added to an overall positive response from patrons on the staging of the event.
The overall economic contribution of the event is expected to be very positive. We saw improved visitor arrivals, from the target markets of Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia, Trinidad and the USA. The contribution of the direct AA flight was noticeable. Thanks to the new daily service, we saw visitors from the USA, including our Dominican Nationals Abroad, fly in just for the weekend. The first month of this new daily direct service is performing extremely well.
The new service represented a capacity increase of over 130% on that route from the prior month. The results, show that our targeted campaigns have enabled us to utilise this increased capacity.
In April, we saw over 80% utilization of the new direct service.
Key properties, car rentals, bars and restaurants especially in the north have also reported an increase in bookings and business over the jazz weekend, with some indicating that they were near full capacity.
Minister of Tourism, Denise Charles.
