Haiti is awaiting your arrival! This was the sentiment shared by the Caribbean nation’s Ministry of Tourism at their inaugural roadshow on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at the First Republic Lounge in Elizabeth, NJ. In addition to a representative from the Ministry, various representatives from Haiti’s hospitality venues arrived to introduce prospective tourists to come and experience the beauty and culture of the island.
“Today we’re here to put Haiti back on the map,” said Pascale Hilaire, Coordinator of Touristic Promotions for the Ministry of Tourism for the Republic of Haiti. Since the 2010 earthquake, Haiti has made huge efforts revitalize the Caribbean nation. Since then, the airport has been renovated to expand partnerships with additional airlines. In addition, a new airport was built to cater to local and foreign tourists who would travel to the northern region.
In addition to providing additional traveling options, security was also addressed to ensure both natives and foreign tourists will continue to feel safe when traveling to Haiti. As part of the plan to encourage tourism in Haiti, Hilaire discussed the creation of POLITOUR, a police force trained specifically for tourism affairs. “All 120 officers were selected carefully and were trained extensively in geography, public safety, and tourist attractions.”
There are many debates on tourism and its impact on the economic and social fabrics of a community. Supporters of a strong tourism plan argue that tourism provides a positive economic impact through the creation of employment, intercultural understanding , and preservation of the community’s historical, cultural, or environmental resources. Those who provide dissenting perspective indicate that with the generation of employment comes the increase of cost-of-living, displaced local residents, and wear and tear of resources. (Source: USA Today). This is a sentiment felt domestically and internationally.
In addition to Hilaire’s presentation, the Director of Sales and Marketing for Marriott Port-au-Prince Haiti, Elsa Sammartano, presented on behalf of the recently opened hotel. She discussed the role the hotel chain played in relation to community impact.
“We strongly believed in what Haiti had to offer so instead of simply providing the country money to recuperate after the earthquake, we wanted to do something more sustainable,” said Sammartano.
“Currently, 175 employees of the hotel are local hires,” she said. “We recruited differently because many of our employees didn’t have a resume or work experience. Instead, we recruited candidates who were friendly, smiled, and were customer-oriented and provided them training. Also, the hotel only utilizes local vendors.”
In addition to Sammartano’s presentation, Emmanuelle Buteau of Buteau Hospitality presented their network of hotels that have been in existence since the early 1900s. Christian Roy Fombrun of Royal Decameron, an all-inclusive hotel located in Cote des Arcadins, formally known as Club Med in the 1980s and Hotel Indigo Beach Resort presented about the advantages of all-inclusive resorts.
Julius Wilnes, a Vice Principal at an Elizabeth, NJ high school attended the event. He recounted his own personal experience when he traveled to Haiti. “I left Haiti very little, nearly 25 years ago,” he said. “I finally went recently. [The hotel] was beautiful and they were able to balance the hotel’s culture and the island’s culture well. The employees were very friendly and service was available 24 hours a day. If you listen to what the media says, you’ll be missing out on a gem.”
“My goal is especially reach out to the dyaspora,” said Hilaire. “Dyaspora” is the colloquial term utilized by Haitians to describe Haitians living abroad. “How can we sell the beauty of the country if the dyspora don’t believe in the country? We want them to also come to Haiti and enjoy the beauty and freedom of living here. Also without their financial support, we can not exist.”
“I’m happy to have hosted the Ministry of Tourism here,” said Evening emcee and First Republic Lounge owner Stan Neron. “I was connected with the opportunity through my work in Haiti and by the referral of Irvington Council President Charnette Frederic” which eventually led to his location being the ideal choice to begin the roadshow.
In addition to the Ministry of Tourism’s stop to NJ, they campaigned in Philadelphia and Chicago moving on to New Orleans. To keep up with where they’re headed, you can follow their twitter handle @mtourismehaiti.
As a takeaway question, when will you visit Haiti?
That’s all for now!
Until next time,
You stay HOPEful, folks,
~Laur, HOPEster-in-Chief
Hope4Cities 