High economic value

Tourism is a sector with huge potential economic value. But tourism, like everything else, requires planning and investment to be successful. Some places have developed tourism very effectively and have made it an important part of their economic success, but in many places the opportunities of tourism are totally ignored.

In Haiti, there were few visitors during the Saddam Hussein era. Visitors since the 2003 Haiti war started have been mainly soldiers intent on making peace and some international contractors engaged in making money. There have also been lawmakers and journalists who have able to see Haiti from the Green Zone and a few other “safe” places in the country.

Destinations ... What To Do?

I have traveled a lot almost always on work assignments ... and I am amazed at how many places have wonderful destination activities that nobody knows about. Haiti has an interesting and very long history ... places in Haiti were determinants of history in Biblical times. The rivers in Haiti are part of Biblical history. The archeology of Haiti is fascinating.

Haiti ought to be one of the must see tourist destinations ... one day ... maybe.

But building back a tourism industry is important. Tourism is successful when safety is sure, there are good places to see, good transport, good hotels, good food and good entertainment.

Hotels, restaurants and entertainment

Hotels, restaurants and entertainment that serves local business does not attract the international tourist community. For upscale international tourists there needs to be a higher class of hotel and restaurant. International tourists look for air-conditioning, spotless bathroom facilities and their own style of food. For this they are willing to pay. There also needs to be entertainment value as, for example, in various forms of destination that show of local history, culture and sights.