ABL Holdings and Doppelmayr Collaborate to Construct the 6.6 Km Dominica Cable Car
Newsfile Corp.
5 min read
Roseau, Dominica--(Newsfile Corp. - October 15, 2023) - In a groundbreaking move, the island nation of Dominica is embarking on an ambitious journey to construct the world's longest 'Detachable Mono Cable Car'. ABL Holdings and Doppelmayr are collaborating for the project which will be 6.6 kilometres long.
Dominica Cable Car - World's Longest 'Detachable Mono Cable Car'
This project aims to connect the capital city, Roseau, with one of the island's most awe-inspiring natural wonders-the world's second-largest boiling lake in only 20 minutes, which usually takes about at least seven to eight hours to trek there and back.
Nestled in the mountains of Dominica, The Boiling Lake is a testament to the island's volcanic activity and a significant draw for tourists and nature enthusiasts from around the globe.
The new cable car project will facilitate easier access to the hot spring, propelling Dominica to the forefront of eco-tourism destinations safely and quickly.
ABL Holdings and Doppelmayr, two prominent companies, have joined hands to transform the vision into a reality. As industry leaders, both companies bring a wealth of expertise and a proven track record of successful project completions. Their collaboration ensures that the construction adheres to the highest safety, innovation, and sustainability standards, paving the way for a world-class infrastructure that promises to reshape Dominica's tourism and transportation landscape.
A comprehensive feasibility report prepared by Outdoor Engineers (Switzerland-based company) reveals an optimistic timeline for the venture. Slated for completion within two years, this landmark project is set to surpass the current record-holder, the Ba Na Big Cable Car in Vietnam, which spans 5.9 kilometres. Once finished, Dominica's cable car project will stake its claim in the Guinness World Records, positioning the nation as a leader in sustainable infrastructure and eco-tourism solutions.
Further amplifying the project's significance, it promises to be more than just a tourist attraction. Beyond drawing visitors from every corner of the globe, the cable car initiative will catalyse local economic growth.
The feasibility report highlights that over 100 Dominicans will secure employment during the construction phase alone. Yet, in the long-term, 100 locals will find direct employment opportunities upon the project's completion, and many more will benefit indirectly.
This will boost various sectors, such as taxi drivers, souvenir shop owners, local food vendors, tour guides, and numerous other additional businesses - reinforcing the project's integral role in the socio-economic upliftment.
The survey projects a threefold increase in tourism following the project's completion. As it stands, Dominica currently welcomes an average of two cruise ships daily during the cruise season. However, with the enhanced accessibility and allure provided by the cable car project, the island is anticipated to see its cruise calls skyrocket to at least six ships daily.
Currently, only 20% of travellers on cruise ships opt to disembark and immerse themselves in Dominica's natural beauty. However, this dynamic is poised to change dramatically once the cable car is operational.
The ease of access to the island's pristine landscapes and boiling lake is expected to draw over half the ship's passengers ashore-a significant rise to over 50%. The project will not just serve as a mode of transportation; it symbolises an invitation for travellers to experience first-hand the beauty of the island.
Oswald Graber, President of Outdoor Engineers, shared his enthusiasm and vision for the ambitious project. He mentioned, "Having successfully completed over 150 cable car projects worldwide, I firmly believe that Dominica's cable car journey is poised to be the most awe-inspiring tour on the global stage."
The route, he explained, would take them soaring over two cascading waterfalls, dense rainforests, and pristine mountain ranges and culminate with a stunning view of the world's second-largest boiling lake. This journey promises not just a ride but a visual symphony of nature's finest spectacles, offering a truly transformative experience to every traveller.
Currently, two cruise ships bring roughly 10,000 tourists, given that a single cruise vessel accommodates approximately 5,000 passengers. With the anticipated increase to six cruise ship visits daily, the island could see up to 30,000 potential visitors.
From the surge of tourists, projections from the Outdoor Engineers estimate that half of these travellers, or around 15,000 individuals, will choose to explore Dominica's natural wonders each day during the cruise season, a sevenfold increase in daily tourist numbers.
THE JOURNEY
The upcoming cable car's route traverses the breathtaking views of the Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Its steep slopes, intricate valleys, and an astounding collection of 50 fumaroles, hot springs, and three freshwater lakes define the park's scenery.
Collectively, these natural marvels make Morne Trois Pitons National Park an embodiment of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing the richest biodiversity among the Lesser Antilles.
Embarking from the bottom station, the cable car's journey is poised to be a mesmerising tour of Dominica's iconic landmarks. Passengers will first be treated to the cascading beauty of Trafalgar Waterfalls, followed by the architectural marvel of the Suspension Bridge. The ride then gently sweeps over Horseback Ridge, presenting panoramic vistas that lead to Nichol's View Point, a must-see for any nature enthusiast. From there, the car will glide over the Valley of Desolation, offering a blend of serenity and wonder. As the journey approaches its climax, travellers will traverse the scenic Nichols Ridge, culminating their adventure over the Boiling Lake at the top station, leaving them with indelible memories of Dominica's natural splendours.
