Gadling

Haiti tourism revival underway, in spite of itself

Chris Owen — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, North America, Haiti, Budget Travel

Haiti is one of the most fascinating destinations in the Caribbean but travelers still stay away, more than two years after an earthquake nearly destroyed much of what they came to see in 2010. Now, conditions are beginning to improve in Haiti and a revival of tourism is underway.

A construction development now in progress in Haiti's capital of Port-au-Prince includes a recently-completed five-star Occidental Luxury Hotel. A Marriott hotel is also set to open in 2014. These are two of seven hotels on the books to be built in Haiti soon.

"Together, the projects add up to well over $100 million in new investment and will generate several thousand jobs in a nation still struggling to emerge from years of natural disasters and political turmoil," says Bloomberg Business Week.

In order to further reinforce Haiti tourism revival, major airports are also being repaired and updated. The Port-au-Prince International Airport (PAP) is currently going through a multi-million dollar reconstruction project. Another airport, Cap-Haitien International Airport (CAP), is also scheduled to be launched in 2013.

These rebuilding efforts will draw funds from what is being called a "tourist card" which will be mandated to all non-Haitian vacationers and tourists.

Soon, anyone without a Haitian passport will be required to purchase a $10 tourist card upon arrival. Taxes will also increase from $25 to $55 on airline tickets, similar to that in the neighboring Dominican Republic.

Continue reading Haiti tourism revival underway, in spite of itself

Haiti tourism revival underway, in spite of itself originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Haiti: the rocky road to recovery

Chris Owen — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Festivals and Events, Haiti, United States, News, Travel Health, Cruises

Haiti was hit by a massive earthquake a little over two years ago, flattening homes, school buildings, and businesses; pretty much transforming the entire city of Port Au Prince into rubble. Relief efforts came and continue by non-governmental organizations (NGO's) as nearly $5 billion in aid was promised and is being spent. But while there are ongoing success stories, half a million people are still living in camps they took refuge in right after the earthquake and they are not happy about it.

"The humanitarian response was so appreciated that few could have predicted two years later the long and deep thread of anger toward NGOs that now runs through Haitian society," wrote Marjorie Valbrun, a Haitian-American journalist in the Sacramento Bee.

It was the topic of special television broadcasts. Cruise lines delivered supplies. Aid poured in. But was the worst natural disaster in the history of the Western Hemisphere, killing 316,000 people, and much work remains to be done.

Haiti's crippling bureaucracy alone makes rebuilding a slow process and cause for anger by displaced Haitians but even foreign aid workers are easy targets for resentment.

"Aid workers live in nice houses, ride in air-conditioned SUVs and frequent trendy nightclubs while Haitians live in tents or shacks." says Barbara Shelly who visited Haiti with a church group last summer and witnessed some of the hostility.

Continue reading Haiti: the rocky road to recovery

Haiti: the rocky road to recovery originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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World's worst places: Top 10 places you do not want to visit in 2012

Justin Delaney — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Photos, Africa, Asia, North America, Oceania, South America, Liberia, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, Yemen, Haiti, Mexico, United States, Papua New Guinea, Brazil, Airlines, Budget Travel, News, Travel Health, Middle East, Democratic Republic of Congo (Zaire), Travel Security

What comes to mind when you think of the world's worst place? While it is easy to complain about rural Wal-marts, La Guardia, Applebee's, and any government office with motor vehicle in its title, none of those places escalate the game from nuisance to immediate danger. All of them can be horrible, yes, but a threatened existence they do not pose.

The places on this list are the bad places. Some have run out of hope. Others have fought war for so long it is the new normal. Most are exceptionally dangerous and heartbreaking. And while none of them are fighting for write-ups by travel bloggers or inspiring travel with the NetJet set, some of these locations may someday be on the travel map. After all, it was not long ago that current hot-spots like Cambodia and Croatia would have made such a list.

Gallery: World's worst cities

Continue reading World's worst places: Top 10 places you do not want to visit in 2012

World's worst places: Top 10 places you do not want to visit in 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caribbean Tsunami test hopes to save lives

Chris Owen — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Asia, North America, Angola, Japan, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, United States, Caribbean, Travel Security

It was planned long before the earthquake-turned-tsunami event in Japan to test the readiness of 33 Caribbean countries in the region's first full-scale tsunami warning exercise. On Wednesday, March 23, a fictitious earthquake of 7.6 magnitude occurred off the coast of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Bulletins were issued by the West Coast/Alaska Tsunami Warning Center for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Island and by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Ewa Beach, Hawaii for the rest of the area and the test was underway.

The Caribbean tsunami test, named Caribe Wave 11 did not involve communities but aimed to test the effectiveness of alert, monitoring and warning systems among all the emergency management organizations throughout the region. The test was designed to determine whether Caribbean countries are ready to respond in the event of a dangerous tsunami. Results will be reported in April.

"The earthquake and tsunami that have devastated Japan have shown how essential alert systems are," said Irina Bokova, UNESCO's director general.

Continue reading Caribbean Tsunami test hopes to save lives

Caribbean Tsunami test hopes to save lives originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Help for Haiti still coming in a number of ways

Chris Owen — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: North America, Haiti, United States, Cruises, Caribbean

Help for Haiti in the way of relief efforts has been a big, ongoing task. Traditional relief organizations have been spread thin and much-appreciated donations are helping them continue their work. Unlike some other natural disasters that happened in lands with fertile economies, Haiti was not in good shape before the devastating earthquake hit over a year ago. It was virtually a knockout punch for the already down-and-out nation. But some unconventional sourcing of direction for the lost land is making an impact.

Highly-visible to anyone following the situation in Haiti is actor Sean Penn. After some of the world's biggest entertainers had come, raised millions, then left, Penn stayed behind. At the one-year anniversary of the disaster, he told popeater.com

"The [current] projects are shelter-focused with connective tissues to basic services, but even the most well-funded among them are poised to take very small cautious steps in terms of permanent housing," Penn said of the current situation on the ground in Port-au-Prince. "There are 1.2 million people displaced, and only small pilot projects in the foreseeable future. The current challenge is the definition or the selection of beneficiaries [for funds both raised and promised], meaning among these extremely vulnerable populations, we can expect nothing more than demonstration models in 2011."

To help keep the world's focus on this situation that is far from resolved, Penn will address the Clinton Global Initiatives Meeting in April but touched base with the Travel Channel's Anthony Bourdain a few weeks ago.

Continue reading Help for Haiti still coming in a number of ways

Help for Haiti still coming in a number of ways originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NO RESERVATIONS: Bourdain to push limits on new season

Chris Owen — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Haiti, United States, Caribbean

Anthony Bourdain charges back with an all new season of NO RESERVATIONS starting this Monday. In this seventh season of the Emmy award-winning Travel Channel program, Tony starts in Haiti to uncover beauty in the dark corners of humanity, a theme promised to be delivered throughout the new season.

Calling it as he sees it, Bourdain puts a new perspective on the situation in Haiti during a visit with actor/humanitarian Sean Penn in the opener February 28. His frank, unique summations, open a never-before-seen window to the enduring devastation that continues a year later.

Regular viewers are promised a different season this year as Bourdain takes personal risks leading to a renewed sense of purpose in his journey. By taking viewers to off the grid locations that challenge him with a better understanding of human existence, Bourdain probes behind the underlying stories.

Continue reading NO RESERVATIONS: Bourdain to push limits on new season

NO RESERVATIONS: Bourdain to push limits on new season originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cruise line private islands, a very safe port

Chris Owen — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: North America, Bahamas, Haiti, United States, Cruises, Caribbean, Travel Security

Often a highlight of a cruise to the Bahamas or the Caribbean is a stop at one of the cruise line's private islands. Probably one of the safest, most controlled ports of call you might visit, cruise line private islands are consistently ranked high by passengers. Most are located in the Bahamas and each one is unique.

On every private island you will find crystal clear water, sandy beaches, water sports and activities along with beach-side service for drinks and lunch will be served. Some require tendering in from the ship, others dock at the island.

The first passengers off the ship will find a pristine beach raked and clean, along with resident workers ready to make your stay comfortable. There is plenty to do (or not do) for adults and kids and even serene adult-only areas.

Continue reading Cruise line private islands, a very safe port

Cruise line private islands, a very safe port originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luxury At Sea: Royal Caribbean Suites

Chris Owen — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 07:56:00 EST

Filed under: North America, Bahamas, Haiti, Jamaica, United States, Cruises, Caribbean, Luxury Travel

They come in all sizes. They are the top of the line accommodations. Those who book them pay a premium price. Along with them come exclusive amenities and on-board benefits. Let's take a look at the suites of Royal Caribbean International, their layout, design and what to expect should you book one.

The size and number of suite accommodations vary from one class of ship to another. To get a good idea of a typical suite fleet-wide, today we look at a Grand Suite on Freedom of the Seas, a popular ship that sails from Port Canaveral in Florida. This is not the newest ship and surely not the oldest but pretty typical of what one might find in these exclusive accommodations although sizes and configuration do vary across the Royal Caribbean fleet.

Grand Suites in Freedom of the Seas are 432 square feet in size. That's considerably larger than a standard balcony cabin on that ship which comes in at about 200 square feet. So right off the bat you have more space, accommodating up to five guests.

But it's not so much the extra space that matters with a Grand Suite as it is what comes with it.

The first stop on the luxury train is the restricted-access Concierge Lounge, exclusively for Suite guests and top-level members of the line's Crown and Anchor Society past-guest program. Inside this special area suite guests will find

A dedicated Concierge who is available to assist with anything they might require
Twenty-four-hour a day use of the Concierge Club Lounge
Continental breakfast every morning and open bar & hors d'oeuvres every evening available in the Concierge Club Lounge
Assistance with reservations for Portofino Italian restaurant & Chops Grille Steakhouse
Assistance with booking shore excursions, Salon or Spa treatments and Priority tickets for the ice skating show
Assistance with the arrangement of private parties, pre-ordering dinner wine and more

Gallery: Freedom of the Seas- Grand Suite

Continue reading Luxury At Sea: Royal Caribbean Suites

Luxury At Sea: Royal Caribbean Suites originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 07:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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5 tips for people who really don't want to go on a cruise

Chris Owen — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: North America, Morocco, United Kingdom, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago, United States, New Zealand, Cruises, Central America, Caribbean

Maybe hiking, biking, backpacking or pretty much any other minimizing endeavor is more what you have in mind for traveling but someone is dragging you along on a cruise. There's just no way you're getting out of it. Is there hope for you? Yes. A little. Not much. But some.

Pace yourself- Food will always be available 24 hours a day on board. You might not be used to that with your triathlon training and all so do some stomach stretching exercises prior to boarding. You will need the extra room. Stop pouting that there are no granola bars or energy drinks. There are. On cruises they are called "shots" and you find them at the bars. You'll enjoy the walk to get them and recent studies suggest those extra steps will help prevent diabetes.

No barfing- You are concerned about the possibility of becoming sea sick because the little path on your normal mountain hike doesn't really move around much. Think of it like that and yeah, you probably will be. Prepare for shooting the rapids in Colorado with somebody who doesn't know what they're doing and you'll be fine. It could be worse. You could have been invited along for a taping of Paris Hilton's new reality show.

Know where you are going- Take time before the cruise to check out a travel guide on the places you will visit. Duh. Just because you don't have any say in where the ship goes doesn't mean you can't meet fun and find interesting people. You probably won't find any of them on the ship but maybe when you go ashore.

Careful with spending- The food is included in the price of your cruise but that's about it. Beverages, both alcoholic and sodas are not included. Want a sip of water? You'll pay $23.54 for that. This is why people smuggle booze on the ship. They do have beds so leave your sleeping bag at home with your tent. Bring your flashlight though, cruise passenger are fascinated by shiny things.

Relax. That may seem like a silly tip but you would be surprised how many people try to pack so much into every day that they need a vacation after they get back from their cruise to recuperate. Know this as a fact: There are way too many things to do and you can not possibly do them all. To be more accurate, there are too many things to do that you will think are stupid so bring a telescope and memorize the sky. Maybe you can find a 14th sign of the zodiac.

Flickr photo by Robbie Howell

5 tips for people who really don't want to go on a cruise originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Royal Caribbean still helping Haiti- a year later

Chris Owen — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 07:00:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Haiti, United States, Caribbean

A year ago Royal Caribbean International came under close scrutiny as the line planned to visit their private destination of Labadee, Haiti shortly after a devastating earthquake rocked the island. I was on board Freedom of the Seas last January when critics said it was in bad taste for the line to have cruise passengers go ashore for fun and sun while so many were suffering on different parts of the island nation. A year later, not a lot is better in Haiti and Royal Caribbean continues to call.

"Please go back to the ship and tell everyone to come ashore, we need them" I was told by local resident and Royal Caribbean island crew member "Franclin" at the time.

His plea was in response to a lower than normal number of passengers getting off ships calling at the island, a move that was hurting them financially as natives tried to sell hand-crafted items.

At the time, Royal Caribbean was scorned by some for visiting the island even though they were delivering much-needed relief supplies including much-needed basics like water at a time when ports elsewhere were damaged and unusable.

The effort continues today, a year later, as the cruise line continues to call at Labadee.

Continue reading Royal Caribbean still helping Haiti- a year later

Royal Caribbean still helping Haiti- a year later originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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12 historic sites in danger of disappearing

Kraig Becker — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Arts and Culture, Hiking, Learning, Africa, Asia, Europe, Kenya, Bangladesh, Iraq, Pakistan, Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine, Guatemala, Haiti, Ecotourism, News, Middle East, Central America

The Global Heritage Fund has released a new report that lists 200 World Heritage Sites around the globe that are in danger from a variety of threats, turning the spotlight on 12 in particular that could disappear altogether due to a lack of funds, neglect, and mismanagement.

The 12 sites listed in the report include Palestine's Hisham's Palace, Turkey's Ani, and Iraq's Nineveh. Hisham's Palace, the remains of a royal winter retreat built in 747 AD and the ancient city of Nineveh are both under threat from encroaching urban development, while Ani, an 11th century city on Turkey's border with Armenia, finds many of it's ancient structures literally falling apart on their foundations.

Other Heritage Sites that make the list of "most threatened" include Mahansrhangarh, the oldest archeological site in all of Bangladesh and Mirador in Guatemala, which is a pre-Columbian Mayan ruin which sits in a remote jungle location. Haiti's Sans Souci Palace suffered damage during the recent earthquakes that hit the country, while the Maluti Temples in India suffer from years of neglect. Kenya's Lamu Village, Famagusta, located in Cyprus, Pakistan's Taxila, Intramuros and Fort Santiago in the Philippines, and Chersonesos in the Ukraine round out the list.

The GHF's report recommends that the countries in which these historic sites are located invest in restoring and preserving the ancient places. While those repairs could cost millions of dollars to complete, the sites could potentially generate that income back through tourist dollars, although UNESCO representatives say that caution should be taken when going down that road, as sustainable tourism is not always an easy thing to accomplish and there are a lot of factors to consider before proceeding.

One thing that everyone agrees on however is that these amazing sites need to be preserved for future generations to visit and explore. Just how that will be accomplished remains to be seen.

[Photo credit: Christian Koehn via WikiMedia]

12 historic sites in danger of disappearing originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Take action: Clean water saves lives in Haiti

Melanie Nayer — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Haiti, Ecotourism, Consumer Activism

Since the tragic events of the Haiti earthquake, the country and its supporters from around the world have worked tirelessly to rebuild, revive and rejuvenate. From building orphanages and schools, to offering medical supplies and household items, Haiti is moving full-speed ahead to reclaim the vibrancy it once had. But it takes more than four walls and power drills to rebuild a country.

Clean water is the key to saving 3 million lives a year but due to costs of filtration, clean water is a luxury Haiti can't afford. According to Partners in Health, diseases spread by unsafe water cause 3 million deaths a year. Young children are the most likely to suffer and die from these diseases, but with increased water projects changes can be made.

Water projects save lives, and while they do cost money, it's an investment that pays back. The World Health Organization estimates that every $1 invested in water and sanitation yields between $3 and $34 in reduced medical costs and increased productivity, depending on the region. In Haiti, a bout one-third of all Haitian children die before they reach the age of five, with 60 percent of all these deaths directly related to malnutrition and diarrheal disease. The lack of clean water is not only an environmental problem, but a matter of life and death.

In joint collaboration with Blog Action Day and the issue of water around the world, Gadling bloggers are talking about travel and water and ways to make the most out of both. As for me? I'm taking on the issue of water projects in torn countries like Haiti. While it would take many years and endless dollars to improve health in impoverished countries, companies like Partners in Health, for example, are working to make clean water available so they can improve lives immediately.

What can you do? Few people know that more than 1.1 billion people around the world don't have access to clean water - check out Blog Action Day 2010 and learn how you can help with the conservation of water around the world.

Take action: Clean water saves lives in Haiti originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Haiti's first airport hotel set to open in 2012

Melanie Nayer — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Haiti, Hotels and Accommodations, Airports

Recovery continues in the Caribbean island of Haiti as the first airport hotel readies to break ground later this year.

The $33 million project near the Port-au-Prince's Toussaint L'Ouverture International Airport will feature 240-rooms, offer restaurants, a fitness center, swimming pool, spa facilities and lounges. According to Luxuo, the hotel is designed with "a distinct Creole feel."

Much of Port-au-Prince was destroyed following the earthquake on Jan. 12, including many hotels, and the airport was closed to commercial flights. Rebuilding continues throughout Haiti and Port-au-Prince in an effort to improve the economy and position Haiti for long-term recovery.

The airport hotel is scheduled to open in 2012.

Haiti's first airport hotel set to open in 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 19 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazing videos of Haiti being rebuilt one brick at a time

Aaron Hotfelder — Sat, 22 May 2010 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Haiti, Video

UPDATED: The earthquake that rocked Haiti back in January caused unimaginable death and destruction, and as the poorest nation in the Westen Hemisphere, Haiti lacks the resources for a high tech (or even normal tech) rebuilding of its infrastructure. But what the country's inhabitants lack in material wealth they almost make up for with their ingenuity and perseverance. Check out these amazing videos of Haitians rebuilding their country one brick and one shovelful at a time.

Via the comments, the following video appears to be from Bangladesh, not Haiti. Still, impressive!

[HT: Chris Blattman]

Amazing videos of Haiti being rebuilt one brick at a time originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 22 May 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10 great zip lines from around the world (videos)

Rikki Dahl — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Africa, Asia, North America, South Africa, China, United Kingdom, Canada, Costa Rica, Haiti, United States, Middle East

Roller coasters and other such thrill rides are fun, but imagine reaching speed of up to 100 miles per hour on a metal cable, with nothing more then a harness, a helmet... and the air below you.

Around the world, zip lines have become an adrenaline seeker's favorite, literally allowing you to hurtle through awe-inspiring landscapes at jaw-dropping speeds. In some cases, the mere presence of a zip line can be a decision-maker between two competing travel destinations. Not sure about all this? Strap in and enjoy the ride on these videos, which feature some of best zip lines in the world.

At a height of 918 feet, speeds of up to 100 mph, and spanning just over a mile, Sun City, South Africa boasts the steepest, fastest, tallest zip line on the globe. On this particular line, the rider zips down the cable while flat, rocket-like. This particular zip line gives the rider the experience of being able to fly like a bird... well, like a very, very, very fast bird.

Continue reading 10 great zip lines from around the world (videos)

10 great zip lines from around the world (videos) originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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American Airlines will begin commercial flights into Haiti starting Friday

Aaron Hotfelder — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Activism, Haiti, Airlines, Airports, Caribbean

American Airlines is all set to become the first airline to resume commercial flights into Haiti, according to an announcement it made last night. The first flight will depart Miami International Airport at 6:40 am and arrive in Port-au-Prince at 8:35 am. Kayak lists airfare for that flight at $782 roundtrip.

According to a spokesperson for American, three flights a day will depart for Port-au-Prince from South Florida, with four flights a week from JFK in New York soon to follow.

The main airport in Port-au-Prince, damaged significantly by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake which struck January 12, has finally been repaired enough to begin acccepting commercial passengers. Haitian Customs will take place at a nearby cargo facility, however, because of damage to the main terminal.

Despite not sending commercial flights into Haiti until Friday, American has been flying humanitarian workers, supplies, and medical personnel into Port-au-Prince since the earthquake.

According to a senior official for American Airlines, the commercial flights which begin Friday "serve as major milestones toward helping the country rebuild... With commercial air service restored, we can better connect loved ones and provide consistent transportation to and from Haiti."

More here.

American Airlines will begin commercial flights into Haiti starting Friday originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Choice Hotels planning hotel openings in Haiti

Melanie Nayer — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Haiti, Hotels and Accommodations

The Choice Hotels group - owners of hotel chains including Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Clarion and more - is making plans to open the first chain hotels in Haiti in almost a decade.

The Associated Press is reporting that the hotel company will start the chain with a Comfort Inn in Jacmel. The 32-room motel will open in May. A 120-room upscale hotel at the nearby Belle Rive tourism development is slated to be open this fall.

The Choice Hotels will be the brands first hotels in Haiti. Jacmel is located in Southern Haiti and is the country's fourth largest city.

Choice Hotels planning hotel openings in Haiti originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 30 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Stay at a Sage hotel, donate to Haiti relief

Katie Hammel — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Haiti, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Caribbean

There are countless ways you can donate money and supplies to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake. Here's one more way you can help, just by going about your travels. Stay at a Sage Hospitality Group hotel, now through the end of January, and the company will give $10 per room, per night to the Red Cross.

54 Sage hotels throughout the US are participating in the promotion. Guests do need to book the special "Help Haiti" rate, which has limited availability, in order to make the donation.

The Sage group is offering a few other promotions that benefit victims of the disaster. Coco Key Water Resorts, a division of the hotel group, will offer 1% of all food and beverage purchases to the Red Cross, and will offer a $5 pass on January 26, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross.

Sage has a history of offering great rates and promotions to help others. In the past, they've offered free nights to volunteers, service-people, and teachers.

Stay at a Sage hotel, donate to Haiti relief originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 20 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Royal Caribbean CEO issues Haiti cruise statement on Fox Business Network

Scott Carmichael — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Haiti, Cruises

When Royal Caribbean docked the Independence of the Seas in their private Haitian bay just four days after the devastating earthquake, someone at their headquarters should have been awaiting the PR nightmare that hit them.

Images of tourists enjoying a splash in the ocean just 85 miles from where 200,000 people lost their lives were all over the Internet. I'm still torn on the issue - my instincts tell me that it was a really bad idea, but knowing that the ship docking meant keeping the inhabitants employed prevents me from instantly claiming the cruise line is full of insensitive bastards.

Royal Caribbean CEO Adam Goldstein was interviewed by Fox Business Network about their decision to allow the vessel to dock in Haiti, and he was of course quick to point out that each ship visiting the region is filled with 40 to 60 pallets of emergency supplies.

The Royal Caribbean port keeps 500 people employed, from local vendors to relatives of workers who depend on the income from tourism. When the captain of the Independence of the Seas announced that they would be visiting Haiti, he received a standing ovation.

After hearing the response from Royal Caribbean, I'm still without an opinion. It's really easy for us to sit here behind our desks sending money through a text message and criticize a company actively helping the citizens of Haiti. I really don't think there is much more Royal Caribbean could do to help the people in Haiti.

Thanks to Fox Business Network for providing this content.

Royal Caribbean CEO issues Haiti cruise statement on Fox Business Network originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cruises confounded about Haiti - to dock or not to dock?

Annie Scott — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Haiti, Cruises

Private beaches in Haiti like the one in Labadee, above, have long been a stop for cruise lines like Royal Caribbean. In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, should they stay away?

According to The Guardian, Royal Caribbean "leases a picturesque wooded peninsula and its five pristine beaches from the government for passengers to 'cut loose' with watersports, barbecues, and shopping for trinkets at a craft market before returning on board before dusk." A ship like the one above docked in Haiti on Friday, just sixty miles from the earthquake zone. Another is reportedly scheduled to arrive in a few days.

Some passengers are "sickened" by the thought of vacationing on the ravaged island and refuse to leave the ship, despite the fact that the RC is bringing food (to be distributed by Food for the Poor) and donating all proceeds from the visit to Haitian relief efforts.

A statement from John Weis, vice-president of Royal Caribbean says "In the end, Labadee is critical to Haiti's recovery; hundreds of people rely on Labadee for their livelihood." ... "We also have tremendous opportunities to use our ships as transport vessels for relief supplies and personnel to Haiti. Simply put, we cannot abandon Haiti now that they need us most."

Royal Caribbean employs 230 Haitians and has pledged $1 million to help earthquake victims. So. Could you enjoy a luxury picnic an hour away from where 50,000 - 200,000 were recently killed in a natural disaster and thousands remain homeless and starving?

[via The Guardian]

Cruises confounded about Haiti - to dock or not to dock? originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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