By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor

In another positive step for Dominica’s rebuilding tourism sector, the island’s Fort Young hotel has partially reopened.

The hotel has completed its first phase of renovations and initial expansion with 41 of its 72 rooms available for booking, and many of its core amenities, including the hotel’s pool, the waterfront Warner’s Bar, in-room spa services and one of its meeting facilities, are open for guests.

Food and beverage service, activities and diving concierge are also now fully operational.

New experiences at Fort Young Hotel include Jacko’s, a poolside bar, and an expanded boardwalk, which will now host guest check-ins while the property completes its remaining renovations and expansion.

A full reopening is expected for October.

“We’re extremely excited to welcome guests back to Fort Young and enjoy the beauty and hospitality of the Nature Island,” said Marvlyn James, Fort Young Hotel’s general manager. “We’re continuing to see increased interests from both past guests and new ones who are excited to visit Dominica.”

“We currently have reservations from the U.S., Canada and across Europe, as well as the Caribbean,” she said. “Our entire team is incredibly excited for the reopening and to exceed the expectations of our guests  – whether families, couples, adventure travelers, groups or conference-goers – who are booked to stay with us over the coming months.”

The reopening of Fort Young Hotel, which has long been a popular destination for divers, adventurers and business travelers from around the world, marks a major milestone for Dominica in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

Dominica saw its first post-hurricane cruise call this past December, and already, key tourist destinations such as Trafalgar Falls, Fresh Water Lake, Middleham Falls, Titou Gorge, Syndicate Trails, Mero Beach, Indian River, Champagne Reef and Emerald Pool are once again welcoming visitors drawn to Dominica’s many adventures and natural wonders.