Tourism

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Haiti is one of the best tourist locations

Haiti is one of the best tourist locations in the world due to its natural unexploited landscapes and sandy beaches. Along its northern, southern and western coasts, Haiti has over 900 kilometers of some of the most beautiful beaches of the Caribbean, as well as islands, the size of some larger than Martinique. Finally, it is the only Caribbean nation, together with Cuba, to be able to recount such a rich history illustrated by its monuments. For instance, the historical National Park Citadel- Sans Souci- Ramiers, is recognized as World heritage site (1982).

Tourism Potential Development Zones

Tourism_map

Sector Strength

Tourism has been identified as one of the key economic sectors with excellent potential for growth. It is one of the pillars of the government economic reconstruction program. The prospects for private investment especially in hotels, restaurants, and tourist transport indicate certain vitality. In the last fifteen years the sector has benefited from the creation of the ministry of tourism in 2001, the investment code incentives in 2002, a better understanding of private public partnership that have led to the construction of the new Labadie duck in 2009 and the renovation of Port Salut beach among others. In 2011, just after the earthquake, we can notice a revival of the tourism industry with the arrival of 300,000 tourists from the Haitian Diaspora, with more than 600 000 at Labadie generating revenues of more than 6 million US dollars to Haitian public treasury.

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 Statistique_du_Tourisme_de_croisiere_FR

The directive of tourism, a sector-wide plan includes deliverables for all major role players in the tourism sector. Its core objectives are:

  • Grow the tourism sector's contribution to GDP
  • Grow demand from the USA and Canada
  • Encourage investment and implement regulatory reform agenda
  • Develop an embryonic industry to a stable sector
  • Increase supply of skilled labors and provide decent jobs

Different companies have welcomed and followed the signal given by the government. Indeed, in response to the demand for hotel rooms in Port-au-Prince, different investments are in progress. For instance, Best Western is building a seven-story hotel with 105 guest rooms, a restaurant and lounge, a full spa and a swimming pool. Additionally, the Oasis Hotel is under construction in Petion-Ville; a $45 million project to build a 170 room hotel in the Port-au-Prince area by The Marriott Group and Digicel. Last but not the least, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies bought a $10.5 million property and want to invest in the construction of a hotel and conference center.

Tax Holiday

The Investment Code provides for generous incentives for investment in tourism and related services.

Acces to Haiti

For the month of January 2012, direct flights from USA, Canada, France, Panama, Jamaica and Dominican Republic are provided by more than 10 different airlines. There are 135 flights per week to Port-au-Prince providing 58.349 seats (excluding UN or charter flights). This is a big jump from 35 flights per week in 2005 oreven 85 flights per week in 2008.

Additional information