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It may be a small island, but Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-ee-ka), the 'Nature Island' of the Caribbean, has been flexing its muscles on a global scale after receiving a number of exciting accolades in recent weeks.

The island, officially known as the Commonwealth of Dominica, and also Dominica's 3-Rivers Eco-Lodge, have made the ISLANDS magazine (US) "Blue List" of leaders in responsible tourism who ensure that islands remain environmentally and culturally sound for future generations (published in ISLANDS magazine December 2007). The magazine has also recognized Soufriere in Dominica as being among the World's 20 Best Snorkelling Experiences for the unique and effervescent underwater experience at Champagne, a site accessible from the shore or by boat with one of Dominca's watersports operators.

Dominica as also been included in the New York Times Bestseller 1000 Places To See Before You Die by Patricia Shultz.

Papillote Wilderness Retreat in Dominica was highly commended in the Small Hotel category at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards in November 2007. This secluded inn with its spectacular gardens and natural hot mineral baths was among the top three most highly commended in the world in the small hotels category!

Anne Jno Baptiste has run the inn and nurtured its gardens since the opening in 1969.

Meanwhile, Dominica has been ranked number one in the Caribbean and number eight in the world amongst the most sustainable island destinations by National Geographic Traveler (US). The magazine asked a panel of 522 experts in sustainable tourism to review 111 islands to find out which were least in danger of 'tourism overkill'. One panellist commented:

"The Nature Isle is aptly named - awesome power and incredible beauty of nature unspoiled, its lush mountains, indigenous population, art, craft, agro-based products, and small-scale accommodation facilities all add to the opportunity for sustainable tourism development."

Of course, the island has also been ranked the fourth Happiest Country in the World in the Happy Planet Index, a survey conducted by the UK's New Economics Foundation.

Dominica recently joined the prestigious World Heritage Alliance, a programme of the United Nations Foundation comprised of destinations and private sector partners dedicated to the promotion of responsible tourism in and around World Heritage Sites. Dominica was the first Eastern Caribbean country to win designation for such a site at Morne Trois Pitons National Park.

Jungle Bay Resort and Spa has also been honoured by US magazine Condé Nast Traveler - which named it a 'World Saver' for epitomising sustainable tourism through its community projects. The resort was chosen for employing a high level of local workers and for running a fund that lends money to entrepreneurs, underprivileged youth and farmers. Jungle Bay's employees are also big-hearted, donating a portion of their tips to local causes.