Posted by 
Hon. Ian Douglas, Minister of Tourism aboard the MV Spirit of Adventure
New Minister for Tourism, Legal Affairs and Civil Aviation, Hon. Ian Douglas, welcomed passengers aboard the MV Spirit of Adventure to what he called “the Garden of Eden”.
The Tourism Minister made the remark during the inaugural call of MV Spirit of Adventure at the Cabrits Cruise Ship Berth in Portsmouth last Thursday.
“We believe that the product we have to offer our guests is very unique and very special and can be found nowhere else in the world. That is why I think we are not only the Nature Island of the Caribbean but the Nature Island of the World. Welcome to the Garden of Eden,” said Hon. Ian Douglas at a brief ceremony aboard the MV Spirit of Adventure.
The Minister expressed confidence that the partnership between Dominica and the MV Spirit of Adventure “will be a long and very fruitful one”.
Hon. Douglas also spoke of Dominica’s growing reputation in the tourism sector internationally. National Geographic Magazine recently rated Dominica the highest in the Caribbean for sustainable tourism.
Hon. Douglas also highlighted the success and exposure being enjoyed by some of Dominica’s boutique hotels and cottages in various international competitions and publications.
In October this year, Jungle Bay Resort & Spa received one of only four Conde Nast Traveler World Savers Awards 2007 in the category of Small Hotels &Resorts. Jungle Bay Resort &Spa situated in Point Mulatre in Dominica received the World savers Award in recognition of its responsible tourism practices in ways that benefit the community.
Meanwhile passengers who left the ship were treated to a cultural performance by members of the Paix Bouche Cultural Group.
The MV Spirit of Adventure, a Cruise Vessel of Sage Cruise Line has a passenger capacity of 420. It is expected to make approximately 2 calls to Dominica for the 2007/2008 cruise ship season.
The ceremony aboard ship was attended by the new CEO/Director of Tourism, Mr. Steve Bornn, General Manager of the Dominica Air and Sea Port Authority, Mr. Benoit Bardouille, the Ship’s captain, Mr Warden Owen and the Ship’s Agent, Mr. Gairy Aird.
The Cabrits Cruise Ship Berth is located in the Cabrits National Park. With funding of over EC$950,000 from the European Union, Fort Shirley and the Cabrits Garrison have been restored.
Visitors can snorkel or scuba-dive in the extensive marine area of the Cabrits National Park that together with the terrestrial zone covers 1313 acres.
Other places of interest in the area include the Indian River; Syndicate Rainforest Trail; Morne Diablotin National Park; Northern Link Road and Cold Soufriere Crater; Connor Heritage Park and Capuchin Trail.
