Haiti in Last Place for Tourist Dollars

Updated April 15, 2013 2:14 PM

Haiti, in the aftermath of 2010's earthquake, has been struggling to rebuild. Despite millions of dollars pledged to the island's repair, bureaucratic obstacles, mis-management, and lack of monetary commitments have Haiti leaning on other resources to generate revenue. One of them is tourism, a neglected area of revenue income. In a recent report conducted by the Travel and Tourism industry, Haiti comes in last in competition with 139 other nations in attracting tourism.

A review of factors that contribute to the dismal state of Haiti's tourism is disheartening. Fourteen primary areas give reasons as to why Haiti is dead last.

The highest ranking Haiti got was for pricing services, listed at 78. Discounted hotel and fuel prices permit Haiti to compete more successfully here. All other rankings place Haiti between 120 to 139.

Natural resources and land infrastructure rank at the bottom, with sustainable environmental resources ranked at 139. Air transport does marginally better at 131. Receptivity and willingness to support tourism come in at 135 and 124. Human and cultural resources rank at 136 and 134.

Regulatory policies list at 135, because of strict visa requirements, and safety and security and health and hygiene don't do much better, at 130 and 128. Haiti's hospitality resources are limited, ranking at 110.

Minister of Tourism, Stephanie Villedrouin, has been proactive in securing contracts for more hospitality vocational programs, but she is limited as to how much of an impact she can make. The rest is up to the government of Haiti.

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Haiti in Last Place for Tourist Dollars

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