PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — The dreams of several Haitians to expand the country’s tourism product have come crashing down, much like many of the buildings built or under construction and which were earmarked to lure tourists before the January 12 earthquake.

Haiti’s unique shape, much like most of the Caribbean islands, provides picturesque coastline and wonderful beaches which tourists pay big bucks to enjoy.

However, seafront clubs, guest-houses, bed-and-breakfasts, built or under construction to encourage tourists, are now being washed away, some with the very waters locals and tourists would have enjoyed.

Jacques Ginen owned a nightclub and bar midway between Port-au-Prince and Gonaives.

Gonaives is a seaport town in Western Haiti, about 157 miles from Port-au-Prince.

It took this Observer reporter approximately three and half hours by road to get to the city last Friday. It is a major commercial centre and most of Haiti’s agricultural products, including bananas, are exported from the harbour.

“People used to come here because there are no frills about it. It is a place to kick off your shoes, dance lovely Haitian music and enjoy the climate and people of the country,” he said, but with wide open arms surveying the destruction.

It is a scene that could be replicated over much of the country and it is a scene that has apparently been accepted by the affected and injured Haitian people.

Widely referred to as one of the poorest nations, Haiti boasts several main attractions, and in Gonaives, the main attraction in the city is the Musée du Centenaire, which was inaugurated in 1904 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Haiti’s independence.

The population of the city has suddenly been increased, as many fleeing the devastation of Port-au-Prince have headed to this western town.

Now government officials are fearful that the facilities there will not be able to accommodate them, forcing them to the streets. Already there are loud whispers that the seat of government could now be moved to Gonaives as well.

Ginen said many other operators have suffered severe damage and have lost thousands of dollars.

Some of the other establishments have already been captured by Haitians fleeing the ruins of their damaged homes.

But there are other well known tourist areas.

Haiti’s tourism guide says Jacmel is situated on the southern peninsula.

Like Jamaicans boast of Montego Bay’s tourist drawing power, most Haitians talk of Jacmel’s.

It is a picturesque town of more than a quarter million people, with a small iron market and many products from that market are sold in the capital city.

Now, it too has been badly hit and the emerging tent city that extends far and wide.

Jacmel is known to have generated its own electricity and it has a few small art galleries as well as beautiful beaches at nearby Carrefour Raymond.

It is 25 miles from Port-au-Prince and boasts some of the better roads in the country.

Other recommended must-see stops in the country are Kenscoff and Furcy.

Some 10 miles south of Port-au-Prince, the cabin accommodations lure scores of visitors there on weekends. Located at an altitude of 4,500 feet, with mountains rising as high as 6,500 feet, the area is cool all year, and is said to be cold during the winter.

The road to Kenscoff, as well as the town, offers beautiful scenery and picturesque countryside.

Raspberries grow wild along the countryside, and sightseers often stop to pick them and enjoy the juice, as was done by this reporter on a recent visit.

The Baptist Mission’s arts and crafts shops, as well as the historic Jacques (JJ Dessalines) and Alexandre forts are also sightseeing spots, and tour guides take pride in recounting their histories.