The Caribbean island nation of Dominica has added another prestigious international accolade to its growing collection of tourism honors, landing the number one position among Caribbean islands and claiming the ninth spot globally in the 2026 *Travel + Leisure* World’s Best Awards. The ranking is determined by votes cast by the magazine’s global readership of travel enthusiasts and industry experts.
Unlike many of its regional competitors that have built their tourism industries around traditional beach-centric getaways, Dominica has carved out a distinct niche as a global leader in nature-focused tourism. *Travel + Leisure* specifically highlighted the country’s long-standing commitment to environmental conservation as the core driver of its growing global appeal, confirming that the island’s widely used nickname, “the Nature Island,” is fully deserved.
Visitors to Dominica are drawn not by crowded resort coastlines, but by the island’s unspoiled natural treasures: vast, biodiverse rainforests, dramatic volcanic terrain, striking black-sand beaches, cascading waterfalls, and geothermal hot springs. These nature-based experiences have become the defining characteristic of Dominica’s tourism brand, setting it apart from more commercialized Caribbean destinations.
Denise Charles Pemberton, Dominica’s Minister for Tourism, welcomed the new recognition in an official statement, framing the award as the payoff for years of intentional, strategic investment across the country’s tourism sector. “I am delighted to share some wonderful news for Dominica. Once again, our nature island is being recognised on the international stage, this time by the world-renowned *Travel + Leisure* magazine,” she said.
Pemberton explained that the ranking reflects ongoing cross-sector efforts to strengthen Dominica’s tourism industry, including expanded international air access to the island, development of new sustainable accommodation properties, infrastructure upgrades at key tourism sites, targeted support for local industry stakeholders, and sustained global marketing outreach.
She noted that this latest honor joins a growing list of international recognitions for Dominica’s tourism model, adding that the endorsement from a globally respected travel publication delivers two key benefits: it elevates Dominica’s profile among millions of potential international travelers and reinforces the country’s reputation as a leading sustainable nature destination.
The minister extended gratitude to all contributors to the island’s tourism success, including the Discover Dominica Authority, local hoteliers, tour operators, tour guides, taxi drivers, small business vendors, community tourism groups, and every stakeholder that contributes to the visitor experience. Looking ahead, Pemberton called for continued collective effort to promote Dominica’s unique natural offering, noting that the world is increasingly taking notice of the Nature Island. “Let’s keep telling our story. The world is paying attention and together we will rise to make Dominica the number one island destination in the world,” she said.