Analyse of the sector 29/11/2010
Earthquake undermines travel and tourism in Haiti

An earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale hit Haiti on 12 January 2010, devastating much of the capital Port-au-Prince. This was followed by over 30 aftershocks, with a powerful one registering 6.1 on the Richter scale occurring on 20 January 2010. The European Commission estimates that 300,000 people died as a result of the earthquake, with 1.5 million people left homeless, thus undermining ongoing efforts to improve travel and tourism on the island. It is uncertain when the island will be able to recover from such a disastrous event.

 

Advocates for Haiti in 2009

 

Before the earthquake in January 2010, things were looking up for the travel and tourism industry in Haiti. Former US President Bill Clinton was named a special UN envoy to Haiti, with him visiting the country in October 2009. During his visit, he encouraged the development of the travel and tourism industry.

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) was also involved in a project to help Haiti develop its travel and tourism industry. Furthermore, cruise operator Royal Caribbean finished renovating the Labadee area of Haiti in December 2009. The company is now able to dock its Oasis of the Seas ship there.

 

Haiti likely to struggle due to its poor reputation

 

Overall, Haiti remains the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with the news, even before the 2010 earthquake, focusing on violence, drug cartels and high levels of HIV infections in the country. The US State Department continually warns against travel to the country and has stated that rescue from natural disasters is difficult, due to the poor infrastructure. The situation obviously worsened following the earthquake and if aid is not sufficient, the country may permanently remain unsafe and unwelcoming to tourists.