Tourism… or? / Anddy Sierra Alvarez

Tourism… or? / Anddy Sierra Alvarez
Anddy Sierra Alvarez, Translator: Unstated

Tourism in Cuba is an organism that because of its importance carries
great economic weight in the country. What is going on with Cuban
tourism? How is it there are no creators in the Cuban architecture, this
being an educational powerhouse?

We don't see architectural projects relevant to the view, that serve as
tourist attractions. They only come on all-expense paid packages,
meaning the tourists don't spend much money in the country and such a
gift is unfavorable to the Cuban economy.

There is a small growth in visits to Cuba, but no related growth in the
economy.

The directors in charge of the tourism agency offer a figure of two
million annual tourist visits as if it were an accomplishment. This
figure compared to the Cuban population of "11 million inhabitants" is
equivalent to 18%, not even a quarter of the population on the Caribbean
island.

When the government allowed Cuban citizens to enjoy the tourist
facilities, the economy of this sector grew in proportion. We Cubans are
contributing more than half of what the tourists bring to the Cuban
economy. Such a situation affects the country, but many who visit
tourist recreation facilities have relatives abroad who send them money,
making the Cuban a target in the island's economic growth.

If Cubans didn't have family abroad, would the government open the doors
of the hotels, the cell phones…"

It's a question that makes my head spin, if tourism isn't given to the
tourist they don't come and many of those who come don't return so Cuban
tourism becomes a tourism with no return.

May 7 2012

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