Cuba

C U B A & IT’S TOURISMSUSTAINABILITY STRUGGLES

BYMURTAZA MEHDI

Geographic

The Caribbean

Serenity

Cigars Sugar Coffee

Cuban People?

?

Hahah.. NO

Cubans

Before 1492 – Aboriginal Population until Christopher Columbus arrived African slaves were brought to Cuba

Current population: 60% Spaniards born on the island with 30% African

descendants and 10% mix

Best education and healthcare system in Latin America 97% literacy rate Best healthcare system (free for Cubanos!!!)

Land & Culture

Unique Fusion of Spanish, Aboriginal and Africans Music+ Food+ Singing / Dancing = Fiestas and

divorces (Myth due to highest divorce rate)

Large Catholic population 47% Catholics Beautiful cathedrals and monasteries

Rich Spanish and colonial architect and heritage

Beautiful Caribbean beaches (Strips)

Political Instability

1902 – Mafioso power and corruption in Havana Hotels, Casinos, Entertainment, Brothels and Drugs

1950 – Rebellious Revolution – Castro and Guevara

1959 – US embargo and fall of the USSR

Enclave Tourism

Ministerio del Turismo. Ristricting Cubans to attract with tourist

Result of this isolation Lack of cross-cultural tourism Lack of cultural learning and transformation

Changes 1990s brought about

It’s the 90s

1990s – How to solve unemployment and bring money in?Open the borders and let em’ in – Says

Castro!!!Develop the city: Several joint ventures

with international hotel chains Tourism largest source of Revenue

Tourist from Canada, Germany, Italy, Spain, England, France, Mexico, Argentina, Portugal, Switzerland, Holland and Belgium among others flood in.

Tourism

1996 - Tourism surpassed the sugar industry

Cuba market share of Caribbean tourism

1.9 million tourists visited Cuba in 2003Generating revenue of $2.1 billion

What Cuba has to offer?

Adventure seekers

Nightlife seekers

Weddings

Honeymooners

Sports vacationers

Cultural, Edu and Eco-tourists

Health Tourist??

Pop Tourism Fads

1998 - High specialization rate

Doctors and Surgeons : Dime a dozen

Health Tourism Stay at a resort and get free dental! Book an all inclusive package and get your

nose done!

2005 - 19,600 foreign patients traveled to Cuba Eye/Neuro/Cosmetic and Plastic (Silicone

Valley) Generating $40 M./Yr.

Sustainable?

Cuba without Boarders-Pros

No Embargo 1 million Yankee tourist within 1st year and more

thereafter Total Tourism $$ triple Open trade and more global development Infrastructure development

Cuba without Boarders-Cons

Exploitation Cultural, Heritage, Customs

Carrying capacity will exceed within 2 years

Sustainability Issue Imports will increase in order to keep up

Economical Impact Leakage

Sustainability & Cultural Impact

Suitability Growth and development Preservation of history, culture and architecture Tourism within carrying capacity Great Multiplier Affect due to minimal leakage

in economy No foreign exploitation

Conclusion

WTO & Cuban Government take action (Regulating)

Carrying Capacity

Infrastructure Development

Preserving Cuba

Crime Control

The End!

Did you learn something?

If not, I can teach you how to get into Cuba legally on your American passports. Apply for a Visa and state on it that it’s an

educational trip! Enjoy the Caribbean Serenity and learn their

ways!

Thank You for your time.. Any questions?