Regional differences in the development of tourism in Cuba

Abstract

In 1989, together with the weakening of the international position of the Soviet Union, Cuba’s economic policy in the tourism sector has changed. In the years 1989-1994 the country reoriented this sector to support international tourism and its development. The later years caused that it became one of the most important sources of export revenues. The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of international tourism in Cuba in the years 1985-2010. The authors also want to determine the level of regional development of tourism infrastructure and tourism movement. Furthermore, one of the specific objectives is to determine the causes of spatial diversification of the level of tourism development. In the case of Cuba three basic factors determine the level of tourism development. The first of is the recreational value of coastal areas (Veradero, Cayo Coco, Santa Lucía), the second is natural attractions (Valley of Vinales) and the third – cultural heritage (Trinidad, Habana, Santiago de Cuba). Analyzed data will be compared with other economic and social statistics to provide an inclusive depiction of spatial changes in Cuba’s tourism sector.