I spent the day at the Destinations Travel Show at Earls Court in London yesterday. Numbers I would say were slightly down on previous years (hardly surprising given the state of the economy) but the passion, enthusiasm and sheer variety of travel opportunities on offer were as inspiring as ever.
And it was good to see the Haiti stand in the Caribbean section attracting lots of interest. I had a long chat with Jean-Marc Flambert who had organised the stand. Drawing on goodwill and the generosity of the exhibition organisers and partners who gave both space and support for free, he was doing a fine job of presenting a positive vision of the future for the earthquake ravaged country. Jean-Marc has extended family in Port-au-Prince so is better placed than most to understand the trauma its citizens are currently experiencing.
The truth is though, Haiti has been suffering terrible poverty and deprivation for many years and, desperate though the current situation is, its also a potential turning point. Money is now pouring in and, while much of it will be spent on the immediate crisis the hope is that eventually funding can also be directed into long term redevelopment and, in particular, tourism initiatives.
The country's future depends on attracting tourists and there's plenty on offer with Haiti's rich diversity of mountains and unspoiled coastline. It will be along and difficult road, the politics are complex and the immediate crisis is far from over but at least there is a glimmer of hope that eventually tourism may help Haiti triumph over tragedy.
The Destinations Show is on until Sunday 07 February at London Earls Court
http://www.destinationsshow.com/Labels: Destinations Show, Haiti