Cuban Tourism—The Marginalized Communist Country’s First Step Towards Sustainable Development

Abstract

Cuban tourism gained momentum after the USA relationship improvement. Marginalized country, mysterious and exotic, famous for excellent rum, nice tropical weather, sensual music and dance, famous cigars and resourcefully maintained classic cars, is now looking for investors in tourism infrastructure. Tourism sector represents an important source of revenue for the country, right behind the health services export. European tourists are among the most numerous visitors of island; tourism is increasing from year to year, as the fear grows that the paradise will disappear soon. As the demand expands, so does the need for the improvement of tourism infrastructure. Country is in a bad shape, money is needed to maintain free health and education systems. The Cuban Tourism ministry is considering an increase from 63,000 hotel rooms to 85,500 by 2020, and planning new resorts with the help of foreign investment (eTN 2016). With the research of economic and social changes these plans will bring to the society, we evaluate the possible scenarios for regional development and their consequences. Literature review and content analysis of available data and documents have been deployed.