The [http://wikipedia.sourceforge.net/ MediaWiki] software allows editors to mix in HTML markup along with standard Wiki markup. In general, '''HTML should be avoided''', for the following reasons:
The Web is not Wikitravel's only output format. Our goals are to have '''multiple output formats'''. Wiki markup is a high-level layout description that can be translated into many formats; HTML is not.
HTML is '''hard to edit'''. Wiki markup is designed specifically for editing on-screen in a browser, and to be really easy to edit. HTML is not. It intimidates casual editors and keeps them from making improvements to our content.
It's a '''rathole'''. Fixing up HTML formatting hoohaw wastes time and attention that could instead be spent making valuable content.
That all said, there's some specific exceptions for cases where the current implementation of Wiki markup doesn't do the job.
Quick facts tables for countries. These exist for every country, and they should probably stay, at least until we have a Wiki markup replacement for them.
Make any other exceptions with '''extreme prejudice'''.