Cuba Expects to Position among World’s Top Destinations by 2030

Havana.- In a sign that tourism is becoming the driving force of the Cuban economy, the island’s government has revealed its expectations to position the destination among the world’s hottest spots by 2030.
The reason behind such big hopes is the gradual increase of international visitors over the years. In 2009, 1.8 million visitors arrived on the island, which ended up 2012 with 2.8 million.
From January thru September 2013, the island welcomed two million 144 thousand 632 visitors, 147 thousand 673 of which in September, according to the National Office of Statistics and Information.
Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Argentina and Italy were the main source markets.
With 60 thousand hotel rooms, the country has diversified its product from traditional modality of sun and beach to include offers in ecotourism, cultural packages, quality of life, business trips and water sports, among others.
Sources from the Ministry of Tourism said that though 2013 saw some difficulties for the sector, the winter season (from November 1, 2013 to April 30, 2014) is expected to bring better results and more income since at least 20 percent of the peak winter season has been accomplished successfully.
Among the good news are a six-percent increase in the number of visitors and air flights from Italy and Venezuela and a growth in cruise ship travel to Cuba.