Despite Trump's efforts, Cuba continues to emerge as a prime tourist destination
The relationship between Cuba and the United States has been tense in recent years, particularly since President Trump reversed some of his predecessor’s measures aimed at improving relations. The result has been a decrease in the number of American visitors to the island nation – although it should be noted that the number of Americans visiting Cuba during the Obama presidency was not as high as many had predicted. But rather than lamenting this drop in tourism, the Cuban government has been reaching out to other nations, such as Canada, Europe, and China. This has helped to allay some concerns that had been expressed about the possible effects of American tourism on the country’s culture and economy, but it has also attracted new concerns about the negative impact of an influx of foreign tourists from other parts of the world. Despite these concerns, officials remain optimistic about the future of Cuba’s tourism industry, and are particularly eager to welcome visitors from the United Kingdom. At a recent reception in one of Cuba’s growing tourist destinations, representatives from the UK and Cuba discussed the bright prospects for future relations between the two nations.
According to the source, Cuba has seen an influx of British tourists, with a current rate of 200,000 British visitors per year, which already makes them the fourth biggest group of visitors. However, the aim is to draw even more tourists to Cuba, with plans to increase this number to 500,000 British tourists each year. The Cuban government may not see eye-to-eye with some political parties, but the relationship with the UK remains positive. Interestingly, the British have visited Cuba before, dating back to their eight-month stint in Havana in 1762 during the Seven Years’ War. Today’s visitors, however, have swapped muskets and doublets for speedos and flip flops. Their primary destination is Cayo Santa Maria, a stunning peninsula that has been transformed into an all-inclusive tourist hotspot, complete with newly-unveiled colonial Cuban simulations. It’s important to note that this destination has limited access for Cubans. Although it now surpasses Varadero, an established beach area, there is further excitement for UK developer London and Regional’s Carbonera Club, which boasts an impressive 1,000 Conran-designed residences and is spread around a golf course and beach accommodation.