Haiti
can capitalize on its natural and cultural resources to get the
country back on the world tourism map, thereby contributing to its
overall recovery and development. This was the main message of UNWTO
Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai, during his first official visit to
Haiti (27-30 October 2012).
“The
role of tourism as a vehicle for job creation, poverty reduction,
economic growth and development is undeniable,” said the President
of Haiti, Michel Joseph Martelly, on meeting Mr. Rifai and becoming
the latest head of state to receive the UNWTO/World Travel and
Tourism Council (WTTC) Open Letter on Travel and Tourism.
The
goal of the Haitian Government was to ensure tourism contributed to
the “economic revival and stability” of Haiti, assured the
President.
According
to UNWTO figures, Haiti benefited from the growth of global tourism
experienced last year. International tourist arrivals to Haiti
resumed growth in 2011 after dropping by 34% in 2010 - a direct
consequence of the earthquake.
“The
strong rebound of international tourist arrivals following the
earthquake demonstrates that tourism is perhaps our most viable
option for the revitalization of Haiti’s economy,” said Mr.
Rifai.
WTTC
President & CEO, David Scowsill, said: “Haiti is still
recovering from the devastating earthquake of 2010, but the
Government, led by President Martelly, has embarked on a path to
return the country to growth. In doing so, he has rightly recognised
the role that Travel & Tourism can play in bringing jobs,
economic prosperity and social opportunity to the island. This is a
long-term process, but I am honoured that both WTTC and its Member
companies are part of this process.”
As
part of the support of the international community to Haiti, UNWTO
will work with the Ministry of Tourism over the coming years to
maximize tourism’s role in the country’s recovery. UNWTO experts
will focus on a number of issues, including implementing a strategic
tourism development plan, training programmes and a Tourism Satellite
Account to better measure the impact of tourism.
The
UNWTO Secretary-General also announced a joint campaign with Haiti
and the Organization of American States to engage the local
population in tourism. “The population needs to see the benefits of
tourism and be part of the sector’s value chain,” said Mr. Rifai.
“It is vital that they realize that tourism can be part of the
solution, driving socio-economic development, while protecting and
preserving Haiti’s unique cultural and natural heritage,” he
concluded
