Over the last couple of years people have constantly been warned not to travel to Haiti, and because of the safety situation, rightly so.
But, recently things have changed in Haiti, significantly. Last week I had an interview with the highest ranked representative of the UN in Haiti, who clearly, on the record, told me that the North (Cap-Haitien area) and the Jacmel area ?are ready for tourism right now? in terms of safety. Parts of Port-au-Prince are still a bit difficult. He has plead with the US and other Western governments to regionalise their travel warnings for Haiti.<O
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Of course his assessment is only about safety, the roads are still terrible, the hotels and restaurants are scarce or overprized, streets are dark at night everywhere, and you will not be able to avoid encountering misery. So although some areas are ?ready for tourism? it is still not a place for anyone, and probably never will be. Visiting the Citadelle, downtown Cap-Haitien or the view from the hotel Mont-Joli pool are worth it if you can deal with the rough edges of the country. <O</O
This is maybe not directly DR-related, but questions about visiting Haiti have been asked here before and it might interest some. There is lots of information and advise on this forum on whether or not to visit Haiti, which is not always up-to-date. Of course this information is valid now, June 2007, and things might be different again half a year from now. But right now there is no reason not to visit the North or Jacmel area of Haiti because of the safety concerns that were there up to half a year ago, according to MINUSTAH. Of course, if anyone has a source that is more up-to-date or that speaks with more authority, don?t hold back.
But, recently things have changed in Haiti, significantly. Last week I had an interview with the highest ranked representative of the UN in Haiti, who clearly, on the record, told me that the North (Cap-Haitien area) and the Jacmel area ?are ready for tourism right now? in terms of safety. Parts of Port-au-Prince are still a bit difficult. He has plead with the US and other Western governments to regionalise their travel warnings for Haiti.<O
</OOf course his assessment is only about safety, the roads are still terrible, the hotels and restaurants are scarce or overprized, streets are dark at night everywhere, and you will not be able to avoid encountering misery. So although some areas are ?ready for tourism? it is still not a place for anyone, and probably never will be. Visiting the Citadelle, downtown Cap-Haitien or the view from the hotel Mont-Joli pool are worth it if you can deal with the rough edges of the country. <O
</OThis is maybe not directly DR-related, but questions about visiting Haiti have been asked here before and it might interest some. There is lots of information and advise on this forum on whether or not to visit Haiti, which is not always up-to-date. Of course this information is valid now, June 2007, and things might be different again half a year from now. But right now there is no reason not to visit the North or Jacmel area of Haiti because of the safety concerns that were there up to half a year ago, according to MINUSTAH. Of course, if anyone has a source that is more up-to-date or that speaks with more authority, don?t hold back.
