Cuba to Foster Tourism on Southern Coast

Cuba’s Tourism Ministry plans to promote growth in this industry along the southern coast and major cities of historical and cultural interest to complement similar efforts made in northern areas, said Alexander Sierra, chief of the ministry's Development Department.

The strategy is part of the reorganization of tourist destinations and the national territorial distribution plan led by the Physical Planning Institute, Sierra said.

The objective is to better use the potential of the more than 4,000 keys and islets of the Cuban archipelago, as well as sites that have been declared World Heritage; adequate airport infrastructure; and possibilities for developing yacht clubs and deep sea fishing areas.

Sierra listed tours of Cuba, the arrival of cruise ships and health tourism among the ministry's priorities, with UNESCO-declared World Heritage cities such as Trinidad and Cienfuegos as highlights.

Sierra extolled the operation on these coasts of 12 of the country’s 36 international diving centers and the untapped qualities of the Jardines de la Reina protected area, which is of great interest because of the state of conservation of species, ideal for very specialized tourism.

He also cited opportunities offered by southern cities like Santiago de Cuba and Manzanillo, of great historic and cultural significance.

Another line promoted by Cuban tourism is the Encanto hotel brand, mainly relying on buildings of great architectural value in a peaceful private atmosphere.

Source: Prensa Latina