Though once a popular destination for travelers, the tourism industry in Cuba saw radical changes with the onset of the Revolution. Since the 1990’s has tourism seen an uptick in the island nation on a limited basis. Despite limits and steep regulations, tourism has become the main source of revenue earning in the country.
Visitors to Cuba come from varying parts of the world. Many come from Canada and countries in eastern Europe, though, while illegal, as many as 20,000 Americans have reported visiting the island nation. Travel for Americans to Cuba has been illegal since the 1960’s. Most tourists visit resorts specially set aside for the purpose of tourism, in areas such as Vayadero, Cayo Coco and around Havana. If you are expecting to meet locals while visiting, think again: contact between foreign tourists and Cuban nationals is strictly forbidden.
While Cuba has a good traditional tourist trade, it also benefits from a trade called ‘health tourism.’ Continue reading