On May 28, 2008, the judges reviewed the entries for the Changemakers “Geotourism Challenge” and would like to pass on this feedback for your entry. Thank you for applying and for your hard work in the field. We are excited to archive your entry to serve as a leading solution for the worldwide community of sustainable tourism innovators. We wish you continued luck with your sustainable, innovative, and socially impactful initiatives.

All the best, The Changemakers Team

“Although this initiative may not be considered as innovative today, when it was founded in 1991, it was one of the first of its kind. It began and has continued as a great concept incorporating sustainability and social impact.”

“This entry is unique in that it incorporates much more than the typical aesthetic value of a garden tour—it promotes conservation and a sustainable food system.”

“This effort is very inclusive and community oriented by involving the local community members to teach tourists about their gardens and their local foods. The initiative is a holistic approach to building an experiential travel experience.”

-Changemakers Geotourism Judges: National Geographic Society, Past President the Ford Foundation, whl.travel - World Hotel Link, ICICI Foundation for Inclusive Growth.

Persistence, dedication and the pursuit of excellence has produced a product of which the Martins can be justly proud.
Congratulations.
Pam.

It's one of the most beautiful Eco Places that I have ever seen really Romantic

Lovely project. Keep up the good work all

This is one of the premiere eco-tourist spot on the island.

Wishing you the best in placing Dominica on the world map.

I like the community-based initiative of the flower garden tour etc. keep up the good work

I would like to wish you continued success in this initiative. This initiative has brought and will continue to bring great benefits to the community on a whole.

The selection of this entry is well deserved and a laudable example to other aspiring community tourism projects here on the island, an island which is still so naturally itself, environmentally and culutrally, with the possibility for a great future as geotourism destination. One senses however a strong idealistic optimism of the developemntal potential of such so-called grass-roots initiatives, though largely successful within their ambit of control, utilizing their indegenous knowledge, talents and resources to give an undeniable fantastic and authentic experience to the visitor, that could downplay the operational framework in which such an enterprise can be viable in terms of the necesiity for the application of advance technology and knowledge in getting the visitor on island to make and take such a tour in the first place - tmely,safely and securely.

Congratulations to the Martins and Exotica for their vision and tireless work which has led to this finalist recognition. When visitors can truly be connected with the land and it's people, a lasting change of heart occurs. Dominica is an amazing island and my family looks forward to experiencing Exotica sometime soon.

With global food shortages and its close associate called chronic non-communicable diseases threatening mankind, Community and backyard organic gardening/farming can certainly be seen as part of an immediate remedy to be practiced globally.

Good Visioning Exotica!

With global food shortages and its close associate called chronic non-communicable diseases threatening mankind, Community and backyard organic gardening/farming can certainly be seen as part of an immediate remedy to be practiced globally.

Good Visioning Exotica!

Mr. Martin's submission is an inspiration to me, coming from the community of Grand Fond in Dominica. A similar structure for community development exists in my village, but it is not as effective as it should. The Community Management Committee(CMC) a legally constituted umbrella organization all all the groups in the village should undertake and lead the way. One of its specific objectives is to: Promote the development and study of rural and comonnunity development with special emphasis on tourism, environment, culture and economics.
In order to revitalize that group, I will attempt to call a meeting of the executive on June 19. That process is the way forward for sustainable development in Dominica. Thanks Mr. Martin. ALL OF DOMINICA WILL BENEFIT FROM YOUR EFFORT.

Love the idea. Can't choose a betting setting that will embody the nature/eco tourism concept than this beautiful nature's paradise, Dominica, also known as 'De Nature Isle'.

I love the idea behind this project and the tour sounds amazing. Dominica's reputation for being the Nature Island makes it a great place to make this happen.

I have visited the cottages once spent one day as part of an island tour.It is indeed unique setting in the rain forest area. Ideal of hiking and exploring the Dominica forest. WHat was appealing to me was the gardens around the cottages so calm, serene, peaceful the kalidiscope of colour in the plants, fruit trees and flowers. A natural environment for someone interested in painting scenes from nature. The evening was even lovelier under the stars listening to the sounds of the birds and creature of the forest A lover's paradise. The cuisine is natural all organic.

Exotica is a good blend of nature and culture and encapsulates the concept of nature /eco tourism. The emphasis on use of natural products as seen in the construction of the buildings using local lumber and in its furnishing. The architectural concept of blending building with landscape is remarkable. Based in a rural area provides employement directly and through its multiplier effect. Simple uniquely Dominica.

This is a very interesting project and I fully support it

Dominica is indeed one of the most beautiful natural countries in the world and is a must see for anyone wanting a unique experience in a natural setting. Mr. Martin's passion and commitment to eco tourism is to be greatly admired and I salute his efforts at promoting Dominica in such an innovative manner.

A very innovative project. It allows residents of this rural community to showcase their expertise while providing a unique visitor experience. Congratulations to Mr. Martin and his community.

Mr. Martin's comment "the chain is as strong as its weakest link" should be printed in large banners and tied to trees to remind governments and the private sector that when it comes to livelihoods improvement, tourism promotion and rural development, many simple solutions exist. There are many opportunities are there, but that they are too often being ignored or overlooked. Let's open our eyes and look around as a first step!

There are many wonderful ideas to adapt and even to copy from this entry. Best of luck to Exotica Cottages - and I will hope to visit them soon!

I had an opportunity to visit briefly one of the women of Giraudel when I was in Dominica in March 2008. This is a wonderful project, run by a dedicated group of women. Having seen the activity up close, I wholeheartedly endorse Exotica Cottages. Best wishes in your continuing endeavors.

The Martins' commitment, not only to innovative ecotourism and to the future of their beautiful country and its people, deserves recognition and support. Only people-centered, locally-led development can save nature for future generations. No ecology without equity - no equity without ecology.

Great work..living with the earth and enhancing human worth for community building - in creative ways. Powerful social entrepreneurship in rural space.

Bien Bon!!!!!

Thrilled to meet another person who thinks like we do! We've been in East Africa (Malawi) for 11 years doing the same type of work you describe. Hope to meet you some day, Stacia Nordin

Dear Mr. Martin,
While I have not had the opportunity to visit Dominicia and the Exotica Cottages, the Community Gardens Culinary Tours sound wonderful.

When the dust settles from being a finalist for the Geotourism Challenge, I would appreciate some more information on your program for my newspaper column readers.
Nancy Brown
What a Trip
Northern California
http://blogs.bootsnall.com/What-A-Trip/