ARTICLE - OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF HAITI IMAGE

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE NEW IMAGE OF HAITI (Haiti Libre) - Friday June 1st, the Ministry of Tourism has officially launched its new logo, and its new slogan at the Karibe Convention Center, under the patronage of President Michel Martelly and the First Lady, Sophia Martelly.

This new image to promote leisure tourism in Haiti, falls within the general framework of the image change driven by President Michel Joseph Martelly, to give value to the country's attractiveness towards tourists and investors.

"Aware of the role to be played by tourism, the development process has started. I have instructed the Minister to do everything possible to ensure that the industry extends its multiplied effects with positive impacts on agriculture, handicrafts and employment", says President Michel J. Martelly. "I note with satisfaction the encouraging results the Ministry is already reaping, as the arrival of large international hotel chains are reflecting the growing interest in Haiti."

Between March 10th and 31st, the Ministry of Tourism received almost 400 logo proposals and slogans as part of a competition launched through social networks. "For the Ministry of Tourism, it was important to involve as many people as possible in this process both in Haiti and the Haitian diaspora, to build together this new image," explained Stéphanie Villedrouin, the Minister of Tourism. "From this point of view, participation has been a success, as there were over 26,000 votes, and the multiplier effect of social networks has created a wave of patriotism and helped highlight a positive image of Haiti," said the Minister.

The final choice fell on the logo 'choublak', by Xavier Delatour. This logo (the word "Haiti", decorated with a hibiscus flower and a sun) evokes the charm of nature and the deep beauty of the country and its landscape.

The slogan chosen is "Experience it!", by Diana Pierre-Louis. This slogan sums up the powerful and intense experience that is often experienced by visitors who discover Haiti for the first time. It’s an invitation to discover for themselves the countless riches of the country, and intense sensations it provides.

During communication campaigns aimed at Francophone, Creole, and Hispanic communities, that slogan will be translated into French by: "Vivez l’expérience!", in Creole by: "Se la pou'w la!" and in Spanish by: "Vive la experiencia !"