Tourism in Cuba

Cuban Tourism

Since 1996 the hospitality industry has become a determining factor in the Cuban economy, offering an alternative for economic recovery. At present over ½ million annual visitors make their way to Cuba, with figures increasing each year. Tourism is one of the most supported industries by the Cuban government and it is seeing the most growth in joint venture projects, majority investors are represented by world-renown hotel chains: Sol Meliá, Iberostar, Accor, Golden Tulip, C Hotels and Valtur. New hotels and facilities emerge every year featuring a spectrum of attractions helping to contribute to the restoration of traditional buildings full of historical and architectural value. More than 80,000 Cubans work in this sector and other 250 000 jobs depend indirectly on it. The tourist development has also given way to creation and artistic manifestations, reflected in the artisans´ work: weaving, sculptures, jewelry and painting. Furthermore, Cuba offers natural beauty, hospitable people, security and political stability.

The major tourist centers holding 80% of the hotel facilities, and which are granted development priority are: the City of Havana, Pinar del Río, Varadero, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Cayo Coco, Holguín y Santiago de Cuba. Nevertheless, the visitor will find attractions in almost every province and ever-growing infrastructure, generally in beach areas and the outer islets. The fine sand beaches, the wealth of the untouched nature, colonial cities and complemented by the vividness of the ever smiling people, are the grandest attractions enticing visitors for all corners of the world.

Regardless of the fore-mentioned attractions, Cuba offers endless opportunities for specialized tourism: fishing, diving, hunting, culture, health, eco-tourism, and specialized courses. During the 16th to the 18th centuries, many a ship sank along the Cuban coastline as a result of piracy or the scourge of tropical storms. Many of these wrecks haven't been thoroughly explored and are considered protected areas for diving activities. In relation to fishing, the Cuban waters are a colossal aquarium, let alone the lakes and dams teeming with the most varied species. Havana's north coast is a fisherman's paradise with white or the blue marlin, blue-fin tunas, barracudas and snapper. The "Ernest Hemingway" International Marlin Fishing Tournament takes place every year.

The island's position along two corridors of migratory birds makes hunting favorable. Hunting reserves are available in practically every province. Eco-tourism is a new alternative; it combines tourism with nature for the mutual enhancement of conservation and enjoyment. Specialized resorts catering to eco-tourism dot the entire country: in the western region they are located in the Sierra del Rosario, declared by UNESCO a Reserve of the Biosphere; in Soroa, the Viñales Valley and "La Güira" National Park. In the central section they are available at the "Península de Zapata" National Park and Topes de Collantes, nearby the city of Trinidad. In the east, they await the visitor in the National Parks of the " Sierra Maestra" and "Desembarco del Granma".