Reports are now showing that the rebuilding off Haiti may not be possible without the support of tourism. Royal Caribbean has just recently pledged at least $1 million in support for victims of the Haiti earthquake. The cruise line also went on to defend their decision to continue to dock cruise ships on its private deck in Labadee, which is on the country’s north coast. Royal Caribbean agrees that tourism revenue is a means of support for the recovery of Haiti.

Royal Caribbean’s president and chief executive, Adam Goldstein, said that returning to Haiti helps to support its economy. People enjoying themselves in Labadee does nothing but help with the relief of Haiti.

The Independence of the Seas, which is owned by Royal Caribbean, runs scheduled cruises to Labadee, as does the Navigator of the Seas. Each ship carries emergency relief supplies to the area as well. At the same time, the Dominican Republic tourism authorities are urging tourists not to cancel their holiday trips to the area. They point out that tourist dollars are more vital than ever now.

The two countries occupy one island. The Dominican Republic makes up a larger eastern portion of the island that remained relatively untouched by the quakes. Haiti makes up the western part of the island, which was literally hammered by the 7.0 earthquake.

All of the tourist areas, hotels, resorts, airports and so on are receiving visitors. The Dominican Republic experienced no damage from the quakes or from the aftershocks. Major tourism regions Punta Cana and La Romana on the East Coast, as well as Samana and Puerto Plata along the North Coast, are also welcoming tourists.