International Tourism Trends in Cuba

This paper surveys the history and current status of international tourism in Cuba, whose leaders have embraced the tourism industry since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Data were obtained during a visit to the island in 1999 and from various secondary sources in U.S. libraries. The paper seeks to provide a comprehensive overview of tourism in Cuba by integrating disparate sources of information. It also aims to assess the challenges associated with the development of Cuba's tourism industry. The country has experienced an explosive growth in tourism relative to other Caribbean destinations, but Cuban leaders must confront numerous socioeconomic and environmental issues if tourism is to be sustainable.