Cuba
Transcript of 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?