Haiti, the Caribbean’s first independent republic, possesses rich cultural heritage, historic architecture, lush mountains and coastline — yet its tourism sector remains modest compared to regional peers.
In recent years, the tourism industry has faced serious challenges including security concerns and infrastructure issues.
Current data suggest only under 1 million international arrivals annually, and tourism receipts remain well below global averages. The path to recovery and growth is slow but holds potential.
Key stats: Haiti Tourism
- ~938,000 international arrivals (2019) – fewer than one million visitors, showing how Haiti’s tourism scale is still modest.
- ~USD 620 million in tourist receipts (2018) – a reminder that while tourism is a revenue source, the numbers are small relative to larger destinations.
- Forecast shows ~1.16 million visitors by 2028, implying slow growth—under 1% per year growth over the next few years.
- Receipts expected to reach ~USD 695 million by 2028, reflecting the same slow upward trend.
- Visitor exports projected to grow ~7% annually from 2024-34 (to HTG 144.1 billion) – shows potential if conditions improve.
- Pre-pandemic data: around 600,000 visitors and 50,000 jobs tied to tourism – underlines how much room there is for expansion.
How Many Tourists Visit Haiti Each Year?
International tourist arrivals in Haiti remain under one million per year.
- According to the World Bank, international arrivals in 2019 were ~938 000.
- More recent reporting indicates ongoing stagnation or decline, with the tourism ministry unable to publish full 2024 statistics.
- A market-forecast report projected arrivals of ~1.11 million by 2023 and ~1.16 million by 2028 under optimistic growth assumptions.
How Many Tourists Visit Haiti Each Day?
With under one million annual arrivals, Haiti averages fewer than ~3,000 international tourists per day (in favourable years).
Because of limited arrivals and high volatility, daily averages fluctuate significantly.
How Much Do Visitors Spend in Haiti?
Tourism receipts in Haiti remain very low — hundreds of millions of US dollars rather than billions.
- In 2018, tourist spending was reported at US $620 million.
- A recent factsheet by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) suggests modest contribution of the travel & tourism sector to Haiti’s economy, but exact figures are limited.
Which Countries Visit Haiti the Most?
Data are scarce, but Haiti’s tourism source markets include neighbouring Caribbean countries, the U.S., Canada, France and possibly diaspora visitation.
Precise breakdowns are not publicly detailed in recent accessible sources.
What Are the Most Visited Attractions in Haiti?
Key attractions exist but visitor numbers remain small and data sparse.
| Attraction | Notes |
|---|---|
| Labadee (cruise port) | A major entry-point for cruise passengers, leased to a major cruise operator. |
| Historic Port-au-Prince & Citadelle Laferrière | Cultural/historic sites of national importance. |
| Beaches of Jacmel, Île-à-Vache | Emerging luxury/leisure zones. |
| Mountain & eco-tourism (e.g., Parc national La Visite) | Under-developed but potential for nature tourism. |
Because of safety, infrastructure and data constraints, annual visitor figures per attraction are not reliably published.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Haiti?
Tourism in Haiti is year‐round in theory, but high season and tourism flows are significantly constrained by external factors.
- Dry season: December to April — generally better weather, less rainfall.
- Hurricane / rainy risk: June to October, travel risk increases.
- Given current security concerns, visitor volumes are low and uneven.
What Are the Biggest Events Attracting Tourists to Haiti?
Event-driven tourism exists but remains niche; challenges limit large-scale international draw.
| Event | Notes |
|---|---|
| Carnival in Port-au-Prince | Traditional annual event, cultural tourism draw. |
| Jacmel Carnival & Art Festival | Coastal cultural event, growing interest. |
| Eco-festival / hiking & nature challenges | Emerging niche segment. |
Large international trade shows or major sports events are limited compared to major Caribbean destinations.
How Much Does Tourism Impact Haiti’s Economy?
Tourism’s direct and indirect economic impact in Haiti is modest and hampered by instability.
- According to WTTC data, Haiti’s travel & tourism sector contributes a small share of national GDP.
- The U.S. State Department notes that prior to COVID-19, Haiti’s tourism sector experienced large job losses (up to 60%) in 2019.
Which Areas of Haiti Are Most Popular With Tourists?
Given the limited tourism scale, key areas for visitors remain specific and selective.
- Labadee & northern cruise zone — high-volume cruise stop, limited hotel infrastructure.
- Jacmel & southern coast — growing boutique/leisure tourism.
- Port-au-Prince & historic region — cultural heritage, though security concerns limit visitors.
- Île-à-Vache & island resorts — emerging high-end leisure segment.
FAQ – Haiti Tourism Insights
How many tourists visit Haiti yearly?
Under ~1 million international arrivals as of recent years; projections place ~1.1–1.2 million by 2028.
What is Haiti best known for?
Rich cultural heritage, historic sites (Citadelle Laferrière), Caribbean coastline & emerging eco-tourism.
When is the best time to visit Haiti?
Dry season (December to April) offers more favourable weather and fewer weather-related disruptions.
Is Haiti safe for tourists?
Security and gang-related violence remain significant issues in many areas; prospective travellers should exercise caution and review travel advisories.
Which area is best to stay in?
For leisure travel: Labadee (cruise/leisure zone) or boutique resorts in Jacmel / Île-à-Vache. Urban stays in Port-au-Prince carry higher risk.
How much does tourism contribute to Haiti’s economy?
Tourism receipts are in the several hundreds of millions of US dollars annually, with limited growth given structural constraints.
Sources
- TourismAnalytics — Haiti – Tourism Analytics: Stopover & Cruise Visitor Arrivals 2022-24
- ReportLinker — Haiti Tourism Industry Outlook 2024-2028
- MacroTrends — Haiti Tourism Statistics: Historical Data (spending & arrivals)
- World Bank — International tourism: number of arrivals – Haiti
- WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council) — Haiti Travel & Tourism Economic Impact Factsheet
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