US-Cuba thaw boosts island’s tourism industry

THE restoration of diplomatic ties between the US and #Cuba has seen the number of tourists visiting this island rising by 17 per cent after a 50-year hiatus. The figures released by Cuba’s government show that the thaw in relations between the communist country and the United States has given the country’s #tourism industry an expected boost.

Canada, the UK, Spain, Mexico, France, and Italy were Cuba’s main tourism markets.

Cuba’s tourism minister told reporters in #Havana that there was a growing demand for training in the service industry, and that a development strategy to boost visitor numbers included the construction of new hotels.

‘We know there are many things to do, but we are going in the right direction, gradually giving response to the demand,’ he said.

Sarah Bradley, the managing director of Journey Latin America, which specializes in Cuba, said there was ‘a tremendous appetite’ for holidays in the country, with bookings increasing three-fold this year on last.

‘The rise in visitor numbers is a welcome development for Cuba and its tourism industry, although the speed of change has undoubtedly put a strain on resources in some areas and finding availability to meet demand is not always easy,’ she said.

‘But Cuba has always been a vibrant, welcoming country of hard-working and resourceful people and they are responding creatively to the challenges. Private enterprise is slowly increasing, so while casas particulares (home stays) offer an alternative to traditional hotels, increased quality and choice in food is provided by the growth in locally-run restaurants or paladares.’

Allaying concerns that Cuba could become more Westernized as its borders open and thereby lose its travel appeal, Ms Bradley said: ‘These are positive and exciting times for Cuba. It’s a destination with a wealth of political and natural history, together with a unique culture. So far, there’s no sign of that changing.’ Go Holiday news : www.govillasandcottages.co.uk

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Picture Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/49088478@N05/15962215820">Cabbies at the Red Wall---Santiago de Cuba, Cuba</a> via <a href="http://photopin.com">photopin</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/">(license)