Minister of Tourism - Haiti Observer Blog

No one is safe in Haiti. We just learned that there was an attempt to kidnapp the children of former Minister of Tourism in Haiti, Stéphanie Villedrouin.

Several armed men took possession of the family car that was in direction to Lycee Francais of Port-au-Prince in an attempt to kidnap her children. There was gun shots between the bandits and a police officer not in uniform. Result; two of the bandits were shot to death

What do you think?

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On Monday, March 28, 2016, Guy Didier Hyppolite has been installed as the Minister of Tourism and Creative Industries, replacing the outgoing Minister Stéphanie Villedrouin. His name was announced by the new Prime Minister Enex Jean-Charles. Prior to this appointment Guy Didier Hyppolite was serving as the Vice President of the Tourism Association of Haiti (ATH). The installation of Guy Didier as the new Minister of Tourism was held at the National Palace following the inauguration ceremony of Prime Minister Enex Jean-Charles and of the members of the Government of the Provisional President of the Republic Jocelerme Privert. In his new post, Hyppolite will serve in the administration of the Interim President Jocelerme Privert.

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This can not be good for Haiti. Even worst, this will likely stay with he country for years to come. Royal Caribbean cruise line ship canceled its scheduled visit for Tuesday January 19, 2016 at Labadee after some Haitian protesters in small boats staged a protest. Royal Caribbean was obligated to find an alternative for its 3,634 passenger of its Freedom of the Seas that were headed to Haiti. Although the protest by the Haitians was peaceful; however this is not what the company wants to offer to their precious clients and visitors in Haiti.

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Representatives of the American-based company Expedia Lodging Services that serves several global online travel brands including Expedia.com, Hotels.com, Hotwire.com, trivago, Egencia and more is currently in Haiti to evaluate the tourist potential of the island.

The multi national, mega tourist promoter around the world will be in Haiti from April 21 to 24, touring Hotel and resorts such as Best Western, Karibe Hotel, Hotel Royal Oasis, El Rancho, Prince Hotel, Le Plaza, Wahoo Bay, Club Indigo, Moulin sur Mer and Kaliko Beach club before including them into their list of recommended hotels and resorts.

Founded as a division of Microsoft in 1996 and later purchased by TicketMaster, Expedia serves several global online travel brand and operate more than 100 branded points of sale in more than 60 countries. During their visit in Haiti, they intends to get additional information about these hotels, the Haitian culture and tourist sites within the country that will allow them to present Haiti as a tourist destination package to their online visitors.

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Based on a study done annually, today.com publishes an annual list of countries to go to enjoy or or to avoid, last year Haiti was listed among the countries in the world to avoid. Guess what! this year Haiti is on the "To Go" list.

What are the reasons for Haiti to move from the list of the countries to avoid to the countries to go to within just one year?

The main reason is that Haiti has become a country with the capacity to welcome foreign visitors

The recent efforts in the area of tourism start paying dividend for Haiti and its economy

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The government of Haiti (GOH) has been pushing hard to develop its tourism sector, which ground to a virtual halt after the 2010 earthquake. Recently the GOH doubled the amount of its tourism budget in an effort to take on more projects to attract tourist dollars.

Ambitious plans are being made by the Departmental Directorates of Tourism South (DDTS) and Southeast (DDTSE). Both directorates advanced strategies for promoting tourism in their regions at a strategy session held in October. Minister of Tourism, Stephanie Villedrouin, was present. She emphasized to both directorates that their action plans must account for tourism development for 2013 through 2016.

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The government of Haiti (GOH) wants to rebuild the island by developing its hospitality infrastructure to increase tourism. Haiti, at one time, had a thriving tourist industry, but the 2010 earthquake changed all that. Now GOH is banking on foreign investors to resuscitate Haiti's ailing tourist trade. It has signed contracts with private investors, giving them tax breaks over a 15-year period to develop resort projects. To sweeten the deal, GOH is also extending exemptions for import duties, so 11 hospitality projects can be given the go-ahead. The total sum of the proposed projects amounts to $160 million USD. Another $100 million in in-progress ventures is also on the books.

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Did you see the show that President Michel Martelly when he visited the Citadelle Laferrière this year?

The staff that was present at the time was blamed for the state of disrepair of our National pride Citadelle Laferrière.

Michel Martelly was not willing to either listen to or accept any justification provided by the employees or representatives from ISPAN.

Present during the encounter at Citadelle Laferriere were: the Minister of Culture, Mario Dupuy, officials of the Institute for the Protection of National Heritage (ISPAN), responsible for the restoration of the citadel, Minister of Tourism, Stephanie Balmir Villedrouin, Gregory Mayard-Paul and other journalists.

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