The PAYS Dominica Yachting Festival was officially launched on March 9th, 2023, at the Purple Turtle Beach Club in Portsmouth. A partnership between the Portsmouth Association of Yacht Services (PAYS), the Ministry of Tourism and Discover Dominica Authority, the festival aims to increase yacht arrivals to Dominica through a wide variety of activities and entertainment. From March 19 – 26, 2023, the inaugural festival will follow the theme ‘Celebrating Yachties in our Communities’ by attracting and enticing yachties through tours, beach activities, entertainment, community service, and local culinary art.
The yachting festival builds from the foundation of PAYS’ Yachtie Appreciation Week, a weeklong program of events which began in 2016 to show appreciation to the yachties who visit Dominica each year. Over 70 yachties participated in last year’s Yachtie Appreciation Week with approximately 60 yachts moored at Prince Rupert Bay. Some of last year’s highlights included the planting of 120 trees at the Point Ronde Bridge, as well as the farm-to-table experience which was considered ‘the best experience’ by many yachties.
The PAYS Dominica Yachting Festival is the start of the strengthening of a partnership as we harness our blue economy in a sustainable manner to create jobs, boost economic activity, build small businesses, and showcase the unexploited beauty of the Nature Isle.
Hon. Denise Charles, Minister for Tourism
The yachting industry has contributed immensely to the livelihood of many families in the northern part of the island among other locations. Much effort has been given to increase the island’s visibility as a yachting port, regionally and internationally, by networking with major industry players at yachting shows and print promotion in recognized yachting magazines. Discover Dominica Authority is pleased to partner with PAYS on the PAYS Dominica Yachting Festival as it aims to attract 200,000 visitors to the island by 2025 through the promotion of yachting and other sectors.
