The Cuban Tourism Industry: Evolution, Challenges, and Prospects

• In Event: Opciones de inserción internacional en las nuevas condiciones de la economía cubana

Abstract

Cuba is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, receiving each year more stopover visitors than any other destination in the region except for the Dominican Republic and Cancun (Mexico). Since the late 1980s, Cuba has targeted tourism as a priority sector because of its ability to generate hard currency revenues. Mainly built around attractions such as beach resorts, historical sites and colonial architecture, and ecotourism sites, the Cuban tourism industry has attracted foreign investment and know-how, created substantial employment, and formed linkages with other economic sectors. Yet, despite its remarkable achievements, the industry exhibits critical efficiency problems and other shortcomings that have yet to be properly addressed. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the expansion of international tourism in Cuba in the post-Cold War era and especially in the new era of improved relations with the United States (although relations have soured since Donald Trump took office) that officially began in December 2014 along with an assessment of the sector’s economic impact and its main challenges. It also examines Cuba’s tourism development plans to evaluate government policies and the future prospects of the island’s tourism industry.

Author

• Paolo Spadoni, Augusta University