Destination Overview
Sad to say that when Christopher Columbus first stumbled across
the island of Hispaniola in 1492 he little realised that it would
become divided into two distinct Republics, half of its lush
landscape headed for criminal and political strife. The Republic of
Haiti, once known as 'the pearl of the Caribbean', shares this
island with the Dominican Republic, but it seems the two countries
are worlds apart. One is a tourism magnet, the other largely a
pariah where only the brave set foot.Haiti is a fascinating country, its people friendly and
energetic, but a combination of crime, civil disturbance and a
mysterious voodoo religion have left most of it high and dry on the
world tourism map. It was one of France's richest colonies, but
today Haiti languishes as one of the world's poorest nations, its
politics descended into chaos, its natural resources plundered, and
corruption and crime rife. Anyone brave enough to do without modern
infrastructure, and brave the risk of robbery or kidnapping, will
find though that Haiti offers a fresh horizon for adventurers with
its exotic scenery and vibrant culture. Haiti is trying to recover
from its past, and is intent on re-creating its attractive face for
world tourism, using lures like its beautiful beaches, untamed
forests, passionate and humorous population, jazz-like local music,
delicious African, Creole and Latin American cuisine, and pretty
towns like Jacmel with its gingerbread houses.The fact that dozens of sleek cruise liners still visit a corner
of Haiti is proof that there is light in the darkness. The
glittering white liners head out from Miami, USA, to disgorge
passengers on day visits to the cordoned off port of Labadee,
adjacent to Haiti's colourful city of Cap-Haitien, on a bay on the
northern coast. Here visitors are assured of their safety as they
shop for souvenirs, sample local cuisine and generally enjoy
themselves.Haiti is intent on recovery in all areas, and tourism is the
best way to achieve this. Independent travellers, who are
courageous enough to eschew the warnings, will no doubt discover
the delights that Haiti has to offer.
