Blue Marlin (Haiti) and Holmes International Development (USA) are the two companies whose tourism projects were accepted by the Haitian government to be carried on in Ile-a-Vache, an island in the South of Haiti that is considered a strategic tourism destination. The two companies will invest over 150 million dollars on the island.

The announcement was made on Thursday, October 3rd, during an official ceremony attended by government representatives, investors, tour operators, and the general public.

A few months ago, the Ministry of Tourism has launched a call for investment project proposals for Ile-a-Vache. Five investors expressed their interest.

The Government's tourism development plan for Ile-a-Vache includes:

• The construction of an airport for easy access, and to bypass Port-au-Prince.

• The placement of several neighborhoods combining boutique-hotel-type accommodation and beachfront cottages on the western side of the island.
• A village, offering restaurants, galleries, cafés and festival space – along with a docking facility – is being planned just to the west of the island capital of Mme. Bernard.
• An underwater museum recounting the romance of pirates would be a major attraction.
• A community farm would engage both visitors and locals.
• Walking trails would be upgraded for the enjoyment of visitors and the utility of locals.
• Caribbean sailers would be attracted to new docking facilities.
• An electric trolly or other alternative-energy system would transport guests and permit servicing of rooms and restaurants.