29019: Benson RE: 28951: Durban (comment): Haitian Tourism (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Legrace Benson <lgbenson@cbs.ucsb.edu>

Reply Lance Durban on Tourism

It is true that lack of trained hotel personnel is the least of the problems
of tourism in Haiti. Perhaps it is "least" because so readily solved.  The
perception and actuality of Haiti is insecure for travelers is an overriding
problem, then we move on to transportation and communication, dependable
water and electricity, and reliable quick response health services.  The
list is the same for what is needed for Haitians living in the country. In
some places tourism has been one of several coordinated motivations for
genral improvements of basic needs. In other places tourism had had negative
effects to varying degrees.  Planning for tourism is best done in tandem
with planning for these other aspects of infrastructure. In countries or
regions where that happens things move ahead for everyone.  If not, not.
There is a large and growing literature available to anyone interested to
know more and to see comparative studies. Much of it is on line, available
to those who have institutional access to relevant journals.

LeGrace Benson
Arts of Haiti Research Project