Op-Ed: Haiti Tourism: A New Approach

By: Caribbean Journal Staff - February 6, 2013

By Davidson Toussaint
Op-Ed Contributor

HAITI, ONCE KNOWN as the “jewel of the islands,” has been facing insurmountable challenges since it achieved its independence in 1804.

Though each challenge presented its own opportunity, there has not been enough of a united effort over the years to bring the country out of its misery.

Haiti’s newest opportunity could be the country’s tourism sector – which presents tremendous opportunities, despite many apparent challenges.

The key, however, is that hidden inside these challenges are opportunities of their own.

Lack of vision

The old adage that “where there is no vision, the people perish,” rings loud and so true for Haiti. There have been many leaders in Haiti who had visions, but their efforts were ultimately futile in bringing about a change in the people’s minds.

For so long, Haitians have been duped into believing that each next man up is dedicated to the people and the country’s interests, when the reality is quite to the contrary.

Haiti is a proud country and full of people with a burning passion to see Haiti restore to its original mantra as a Caribbean jewel. But until there is a united movement with a clear vision, Haitians will not support any change deemed necessary for the advancement of the country.

Myths about Haiti

Ever since Haiti took its independence from France, the country has been marred in false myths and ideologies. Haiti was the first black nation that liberated itself forcefully. At that time, Haiti’s independence was lauded throughout the world with great vigour. It sparked other nations to follow suit in revolutions of their own.

Nevertheless, because Haiti was brave and valiant, other countries sought to demean it by spreading lies and rumors.

It is true that Haiti has been devastated by many disasters, both natural and unnatural. Many of its natural resources have been depleted, and many Haitians have sought to flee the country in the hopes of finding better lives elsewhere.

Regardless, Haiti remains a beautiful country with many natural attractions. Haiti is a gem, a diamond in the rough.  And with the right leadership, Haiti will be known again as a jewel, and can capitalize on its tourism potential.

Strategic Plans

Haiti recently ushered in a new president who appears to understand the role he has to play in revitalizing the country.

At the core of Haiti’s tourism plan should be showcasing its natural beauty, with the aim of making Haiti a destination suitable for tourists to visit.

It will take a unified effort to launch Haiti’s tourism movement. But with time, Haiti can be re-discovered by international travelers.

Many more strategies can be outlined to show how Haiti will be benefit. But Haiti’s nascent tourism industry is a viable entity to highlight the country’s hidden beauty.

Davidson Toussaint is the Founder and CEO of Haiti Tourism, Inc.

Note: the opinions expressed in Caribbean Journal Op-Eds are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Caribbean Journal.

Popular Posts w punta cana

A New All-Inclusive W Hotel Is Opening This Year in Punta Cana 

The first-ever all-inclusive W Hotel in the Caribbean is opening this year in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean Journal has learned.  The hotel, part of a broad expansion for parent company Marriott International, is on the list of expected 2024 […]


Why Grenada Is a New Caribbean Luxury Hotspot

beach house silversands

From its world-renowned chocolate to its pristine beaches to a region-leading focus on sustainability, Grenada is as fascinating and unique as destination as you’ll find in the Caribbean.  But in the last few years, the lush Eastern Caribberan island has […]


5 Adults-Only Resorts to Visit Right Now in the Caribbean 

galley bay

Sometimes you just want that extra degree of serenity, of privacy, of seclusion. There is a reason, after all, that adults-only resorts are booming in popularity, particularly in the Caribbean: travelers want to know that when they arrive, they know […]


Related Posts moon tower in bonaire

Bonaire Tourism Ahead of Pre-Pandemic Levels 

Tourism to the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire is ahead of pre-pandemic highs, according to newly-released data provided to Caribbean Journal.  The island welcomed 88,749 air arrivals in the first half of 2023, up from 83,100 in the first six […]


For Jamaica, a Summer of Major Travel Demand

jamaica pool

Jamaica is in the midst of a summer tourism “boom,” with what officials are describing as the island’s best summer tourist season ever.  The island has already reported more than 2 million combined stopover and cruise visitors so far in […]


Another Strong Month for Tourism in Curacao 

patio at a private beach room

One of the Caribbean’s biggest post-pandemic success stories has reported another strong month of tourism, according to new data obtained by Caribbean Journal.  The Dutch Caribbean island of Curacao reported 43,352 stopover tourist arrivals in May, a 21.6 percent increase […]


SUBSCRIBE!

Sign up for Caribbean Journal's free newsletter for a daily dose of beaches, hotels, rum and the best Caribbean travel information on the net.


No. Thank You