UNWTO Stresses Cuba's Tourist Development, Despite U.S. Embargo

Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), praised in this capital the development of this industry in Cuba, despite the obstacles arising from the impact of the U.S. blockade.

Rifai told Prensa Latina that without the siege imposed by the U.S. government, the island could attract more visitors, as well as the practice of multi-destination in the Caribbean. The executive highlighted Cuba's work in linking culture to tourism, as an element that gives a distinction within the region market.

Rifai, who attends three international events based in Quito, predicted growth of world tourism this year by four percent. He noted that the European crisis has impacted the tourism market, because this region is a major traveler markets.

The top executive mentioned in particular the effects of the current economic situation of that continent in China, Thailand, India, Central and South America, their traditional destinations, as Europeans represent 50 percent of those who move across the world.