All impacted to some degree by hurricanes Matthew and Nicole, government and tourism officials in Haiti, the Bahamas and Bermuda each worked to return normalcy to everyday life and their visitor infrastructure this week following widespread storm damage.

Officials in Haiti, the most seriously impacted country, say most of the nation’s tourism infrastructure remains intact despite Hurricane Matthew’s impact on Haiti’s southern peninsula, where several tourism sites, including the art-producing town of Jacmel, are located. Most of the country’s largest hotels, located primarily in and around the capital city of Port au Prince, are open and operating, said Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) officials.

Packing 145 mph winds, the storm killed more than 1,000 residents, flooded several areas of the country and destroyed homes and businesses. Thousands of Jacmel residents are now living in shelters according to a Miami Herald report.

Nevertheless, officials at the Ministry of Tourism of Haiti, the Haiti Tourism Association and the National Network of Solidarity Tourism Operators said in a statement that “90 percent of our tourism infrastructure has not been affected and is ready to welcome guests.”

Haiti’s Jacmel district was severely impacted by Hurricane Matthew. (Photo by Brian Major).

While they say “we are working relentlessly to bring support to our fellow citizens in this difficult time” and expressed sympathy for Matthew’s victims, the officials added that “Traveling to Haiti for leisure, business or to visit friends and families is a positive and constructive way to support the economy as it promotes employment and sustainability.”

Increased visits will “help us drive resources to the most needed areas in a sustainable manner,” they added.

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By: Brian Major

Source: travelpulse.com