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Haiti is a place where,
especially these days, only the most daring and adventurous tourists
tend to go. With a troubled history and its politics having descended
into chaos, crime is rampant and infrastructure is almost nonexistent,
especially after the devastating consequences of the 2010 earthquake.
While slowly recovering in certain areas, Haiti is still a place that
people are often advised to keep away from altogether. Currently, much
of what existed of the tourist industry from before the earthquake has
vanished and many hotels and resorts have closed down as a result.
These days, the vast majority of visitors to Haiti are foreign aid
workers, and tourism is at a minimum.
When Christopher Columbus discovered the island of Hispaniola in 1492,
it was never imaged that the island would end up being divided into
two nations. Dominican Republic, by contrast, is a stable and
reasonably wealthy country with a highly developed tourism market,
attracting hordes of tourists year round and a spate of foreign
investment. Haiti, destined for political and economical instability,
has been severely damaged over the years, though it was once known as
the Pearl of the Caribbean. The two countries that comprise the island
of Hispaniola could not be more different, though tourists adventurous
enough to visit Haiti will be rewarded if they are looking for
adventure.
Haiti is a naturally beautiful country with the potential to be a
highly successful state. However, it barely exists on the map of world
tourism due to civil disturbance, a skyrocketing crime rate and other
problems. The earthquake of 2010 will take years to recover from as
well. Formerly one of the wealthiest colonies of France, Haiti is now
one of the poorest countries in the world. However, tourists who are
adventurous enough and fully aware of the dangers will find a place
which offers a new frontier for adventurous travelers. With some
exotic scenery and a vibrant and highly unique culture, the people of
Haiti are well known for being friendly and lively. Trying to recover
from its troubled past, Haiti boasts some of the most beautiful
beaches of the Caribbean and a great expanse of unspoiled forest. It
also has some picturesque towns such as Jacmel and is home to some of
the nicest cuisine in the Caribbean.
Still visiting certain areas of Haiti, various cruise liners offer
tourists the safest and most reliable way to visit the country. The
port of Labadee is one place which is often visited by the cruise
liners, dropping off passengers on day trips. Cordoned off from the
rest of the country, this is a place where travelers can relax and
enjoy the local culture without ending up in the midst of the dangers
that are rife in the rest of the country. It is here where people can
enjoy some exotic local cuisine, buy souvenirs and enjoy a safe,
interesting break.
With Haiti intent on recovering, tourism is slowly growing, but
tourists should still be aware of the dangers and make sure that they
go prepared. |
