LONDON — If all goes as planned, it may soon be easier for Canadians to get to the island of Dominica.

According to Tourism Minister Denise Charles, Dominica is currently in talks with Air Canada, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines to expand direct flights into the country. The news follows the recent launch of American Airlines’ new nonstop flight between Miami International Airport and Dominica’s Douglas-Charles Airport.

Direct flights from North America, says Charles, would allow thousands of tourists to visit the island without lengthy layovers.

“We are aggressively pursuing various methods to ensure that people can come to Dominica on the same day they depart from their country. It is very critical for our destination. So far, discussions are advancing positively,” says Charles.

In recent years, the destination has welcomed several luxury eco-tourism resorts, invested heavily in small businesses, and is in the process of constructing a new international airport that will open it up to the rest of the world. Known as ‘The Nature Isle,’ Dominica boasts a bounty of natural attractions including Champagne Reef, Trafalgar Falls, and the Titou Gorge where ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ was filmed. One of the island’s most famous activities is hiking to Boiling Lake, the world’s second-largest hot lake, which was recently featured in ‘National Geographic’ as a “bewitching and historic hiking destination.”

Said Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit: “Dominica is on a journey of transformation. It’s now frequently cited as the new place to put on your to-do list.”