By Shermain Bique-Charles
World Travel In 360 is setting its sights on Dominica for an ambitious new project aimed
at enhancing the island’s visibility and accessibility through cutting-edge technology.
The company is currently engaged in discussions with representatives from the Ministry
of Tourism, laying the groundwork for comprehensive mapping of the entire island.
This initiative is poised to transform the way both locals and visitors experience the
stunning landscapes and attractions Dominica has to offer.
Preliminary discussions began on a promising note this past Monday, with Permanent
Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Lisa Valmond, expressed her excitement about the
potential benefits that this project could bring to the Nature Isle.
Valmond highlighted how such a development could not only showcase Dominica’s unique natural beauty but also serve as a vital tool for promoting tourism.
If the government approves this innovative endeavor, Dominica is destined to become the second Caribbean Island to gain access to the full suite of features offered by Google Street View, following in the footsteps of Antigua and Barbuda, which was the first to achieve this milestone. To further advance these discussions, a team from World Travel In 360 is planning an official visit to the island.
This trip will facilitate in-person conversations with various stakeholders, including local
businesses, tourism operators, and government representatives.
They are eager to collaboratively assess the needs and possibilities for implementing
this project is anticipated to open new avenues for exploring and experiencing
Dominica like never before. Federico Debetto, the CEO of World Travel In 360, provided insightful details about the mapping process and the innovative techniques that will be employed.
His vision for Dominica includes not only the famous sites but also the hidden gems that
highlight the island’s rich culture and stunning natural environment. By using advanced mapping technologies, Debetto assures that the project will capture the essence of the island and provide an immersive experience for users around the world.
“Dominica has close to 1000km of road traversing the amazing wild nature scenery of
the island. Our expert team will capture all that beauty in amazing 11K resolution 360-
degree imagery. This will amount to almost 500 000 individual panoramas published on
Google maps for everyone in the world to explore Dominica,” he said
Echoing the CEO’s sentiments, COO Dimitar Kunev also conveyed his enthusiasm for the potential impact of this project on the island’s tourism economy. He said this initiative has the potential to significantly elevate Dominica’s profile on the global stage.
“It allows travelers to virtually explore the island before they arrive, enhancing their overall travel experience and encouraging more visitors to discover everything our the beautiful island has to offer.”
Kunev said he is also captivated by the stunning beauty of Dominica, and according to him, there is no better way to highlight it than by enabling people to explore every street, trail, and landmark interactively from anywhere in the world.
“Through a custom Global Virtual Tour showcasing Dominica’s natural sites and landmarks in remarkable quality, we’re providing the tourism sector with a powerful tool to spark interest and increase visitor rates. Additionally, our project will support local businesses in establishing and enhancing their presence on Google Maps, maximizing their visibility and attracting more customers,” he said
In addition, Kunev said Dominica’s breathtaking natural beauty deserves to be shared
with the world, and what better way to do that than by letting people explore its vibrant
streets, lush trails, and iconic landmarks from anywhere on the globe?
“Through our custom Global Virtual Tour, we’re not only spotlighting Dominica’s awe-inspiring sites in stunning quality but also creating a unique experience that will inspire
travelers to visit. This project will also empower local businesses by amplifying their presence on Google Maps, helping them reach new audiences and grow in visibility like
never before” he added
Kunev’s comments resonate with the growing trend of digital engagement in the travel
industry, where potential tourists seek interactive ways to envision their journeys.
The implications of this mapping project extend beyond mere exposure; it aims to foster
a deeper connection between potential visitors and the local culture. Through Google Street View, users will be able to navigate Dominica’s lush landscapes, vibrant communities, and iconic landmarks, all from the comfort of their own homes using their digital devices, —an experience that aims to evoke an authentic sense of place.
Meanwhile, the completion of the Google Street View project in Antigua and Barbuda
has already demonstrated a powerful interest in virtual exploration. Since its launch, images of the islands have been viewed an impressive 2.43 million times on Google Maps.
This staggering view count highlights the significant demand for digital access to Caribbean destinations, reinforcing the notion that creative technological projects like this can greatly enhance tourism.
The collaboration between World Travel In 360 and the Antiguan government was facilitated by connections made through Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to Spain, Dr. Dario Item.
His role has been instrumental in bridging partnerships conducive to tourism growth and
technology integration within the region. Looking ahead, World Travel In 360 plans to map other Caribbean islands, including Bahamas, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Lucia.