Haiti can capitalize on its natural and cultural resources to get the country back on the world tourism map, thereby contributing to its overall recovery and development. This was the main message of UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, during his first official visit to Haiti (27-30 October 2012).

"The role of tourism as a vehicle for job creation, poverty reduction, economic growth and development is undeniable,” declared the President Martelly during this visit, "the goal of the Haitian Government was to ensure tourism contributed to the “economic revival and stability."

WTTC President & CEO, David Scowsill, declared "Haiti is still recovering from the devastating earthquake of 2010, but the Government, led by President Martelly, has embarked on a path to return the country to growth. In doing so, he has rightly recognised the role that Travel & Tourism can play in bringing jobs, economic prosperity and social opportunity to the island. This is a long-term process, but I am honoured that both WTTC and its Member companies are part of this process."

The UNWTO Secretary-General also announced a joint campaign with Haiti and the Organization of American States (OAS) to engage the local population in tourism. "The population needs to see the benefits of tourism and be part of the sector’s value chain [...] it is vital that they realize that tourism can be part of the solution, driving socio-economic development, while protecting and preserving Haiti’s unique cultural and natural heritage."

Mr. Taleb Rifai said he was aware that the country is facing socio-political problems. However he stressed that Haiti is not the only country facing political problems and an unstable security situation, wishing that Haiti can present itself as a new country in the Caribbean. A new wind is blowing on the country, according to Taleb Rifai "I feel a new energy in the country in terms of tourism."

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-7041-haiti-tourism-the-president-martelly-formally-adheres-to-the-open-letter-of-the-unwto-and-of-wttc.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-7026-haiti-tourism-haiti-on-the-tourist-map-of-the-world.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-7009-haiti-tourism-official-visit-of-the-secretary-general-of-the-unwto.html

HL/ HaitiLibre