Travel
Spring Break in Haiti a Party with a Purpose
- Wednesday, May 25, 2011 1:17 PM
Spring Break In Haiti™ was started in 2006 after a group of young Haitian-American college students from New York City and Alumni of CUNY and SUNY decided to embrace their parents' homeland.
Realizing that they have fun in the Dominican Republic, Cancun, Mexico and South Beach, Florida on their breaks, it started the curiosity to know what their parents' homeland was like despite the negative images and stereotypes.
After the first initial trip, the concept was basically to establish Haiti as a future destination hot spot of the 21st century for future spring breakers.
SBIH™ was developed as an introduction to Haiti, there is “Summer In Ayiti” and “HaitiXperience" in the Fall/ Winter, other themes throughout the year to continue to promote tourism as a year round industry in Haiti.
A New Take on Spring Break
Spring Break is a very popular term amongst young Americans, and adding Haiti to it to gave participants a unique travel experience unlike the typical Spring Break routines.
SBIH gives patrons the opportunity to discover the beauty of the island, the customs and culture and participate in some humanitarian services if they wish to do so. In essence, “partying with a purpose,” is one of the slogans.
Tourism is key to Haiti’s reconstruction. It allows the Haitian diaspora and friends of Haiti the opportunity to embrace and invest in this uncharted territory.
Tourism also provides local and small businesses in Haiti the opportunity to grow as foreign dollars are being spent in the country. It affects the economy greatly and in a positive way, therefore building the worth of the Ayiti.
Artists, small shop owners, marchands are able to reap the benefits of tourists shopping in Haiti/
Changing Social Conditions Effecting?
There are positive social effects. Tourism allows a solidarity to be built with local Haitians and participants who are curious about Haitian culture. Everything that happens in Haiti directly and indirectly affects the Haitian communities in the U.S.
It gives Haiti an opportunity to eradicate the negative stigmas and stereotypes that have tarnished the image of the country. Most importantly, Haitians benefit here in the U.S because they can feel proud to promote the beauty of Haiti.
With an ear to on social events, there is always some fine tuning being done to make the concept more interesting but the concept will remain the same, catering to all, individuals, couples, families and lovers of the tropical island.
SBIH prides itself on giving the traveler the options to do what they would like to in Haiti, whether it be humanitarian work, looking for a piece of mind, eco-tourism, enjoying excursions, historical and moral tours, journalistic research, family reunions, events and concerts and more.
Joining in for the group trip
There are all inclusive packages through winter, fall, and summer which cover room and board, airflight, ground transportation, meals, excursions, and tours.
All packages are catered to the individual or group depending on what a traveler wants to do in Haiti.
The itinerary consists of work and play. If one decides to go, an itinerary/package can be custom designed for their interests.
It is absolutely possible to have fun in Haiti and it exists in the country already. It is one of the places that those who know, know. "What happens in Haiti, stays in Haiti" There is a diversity of culture that Haiti has to offer such as the Karnival in the beginning months of the year and the jazz festival nearing the end. Whatever the travel wants, it's here.
Get involved by visiting www.springbreakinhaiti.com and www.springbreakinhaiti.org. SBIH can be contacted for those who wish to join the not-for-profit arm. The not-for-profit allows SBIH to do the social and humanitarian work needed in Haiti. SBIH is affiliated with many organizations on the ground and provides participants the opportunity to utilize their skills and their degrees in Haiti. SBIH is available for presentations and workshops. Visit the website to join become an official member.
