Mangrove - Haiti Observer Blog

An 8x2 mile island treasure chest, sitting prettily off the south-west peninsula of Haiti, might become an important part of the revitalization of the tourism industry in the country. Île à Vache, home to one of the largest mangrove forests in Haiti as well as anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 locals, is a veritable tourist boon with up to 20 deserted beaches just begging for a catchy slogan.

Indeed, the rebranding has already begun as the tourism leaders have described it as the 'last true treasure island' of the Caribbean; a truly evocative moniker that harkens back to a swashbuckling past sure to attract many. In its proposal, the Ministry of Tourism hopes to give the island a modernizing make-over that will highlight its natural beauty but also facilitate tourism that is self-sustaining. It includes plans for electric shuttles instead of cars, and a community farm to be run by locals.

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Most of the recent developmental agendas relating to Haiti pointed out to one common aspect - tourism. Haiti is blessed with Ile a Vache island located off Les Cayes' southeast coat. Spanning over an area of 52 sq. km. this island, as mentioned by Tourism Ministry, is the final frontier of true Caribbean treasure. The Ministry of Tourism is aiming towards developing a sustainable tourism industry in Ile a Vache that will help to improve the standard of living for the locals and at the same time, open doors for cross-border tourism.

The aim of the Ministry of Tourism is to create a low-density development focusing on eco-tourism while highlighting areas like history, agro-tourism and cultural heritage that will cover 20 beaches that are mostly deserted. The plan also includes solar-powered electricity-run vehicles instead of regular cars. The Ministry plans on attracting investors from countries like wider Caribbean, China, Qatar and Dominican Republic.

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