Cuba expects to receive this year 2.9 million foreign tourists, said here Xiomara Martinez, deputy minister of tourism and delegate to the 54th Regional Committee of the World Tourism Organization for the Americas. Cuban tourism has its major strength in its natural and historical wealth

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.

The number of international tourists worldwide grew by 5 percent between January and June 2012 compared to the same period of 2011 (22 million more). International arrivals are forecast to exceed one billion by the end of 2012.

Caribbean tourism planners and practitioners are being told that the region has little option but to beat the many odds that the industry faces. Some of the industry’s most creative thinkers and doers will meet in St. Kitts next month to formulate winning strategies for the sector.