Cuba recorded high growth in tourist arrivals during 2008 despite reeling pressure from the global financial meltdown because of low cost tourist packages.
According to the National Office of Statistics, the total revenue generated from tourism in Cuba during 2008 was over $2.7 Billion, up 13.5% against the previous year, as reported by USA TODAY.
The number of foreign tourist arrivals in 2008 surged to 2.35 Million, up 9.3% from 2007. With rise in number of visitors, the tourism industry earned $326 Million more than it did during 2007. According to the Cuban News Agency, Santa Lucia de Cuba Beach, situated 60 miles north of Camaguey city, witnessed 1,500 tourists per day in the month of December 2008. The number of visitors was the largest over the last five years.
Although the global financial crisis hit the tourism industry of other Caribbean islands, Cuban tourism industry witnessed robust growth. International travel operators believe that as Cuba is relatively cheaper in terms of inclusive package offerings and budget trip cost, tourists from across the world prefer to come here. Another reason for high growth in the tourism industry is lesser impact of the financial crisis on Canada, the biggest tourist market for Cuba.
After Canada, Germany and Italy account for the highest number of visitors for Cuba. Over 20 Km long beach line and several itineraries are the most attractive features of tourist package attracting visitors from these countries. For instance, a tourist package includes visit to the historical sites in the city of Camaguey, third largest city in Cuba and recently attained the status of Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Further, Santa Lucia de Cuba Beach along with four renowned hotels was seriously destructed by hurricane Ike in September 2008, but people associated with the industry and local people rebuilt the infrastructure very fast. Consequently, the beach was opened in November 2008 for international tourists.
Although tourist inflow in Cuba has significantly climbed up, tourists are dissatisfied with the quality of service, poor infrastructure and quality of food, indicating to the communist system where shortages are inevitable.
According to a Research Analyst at RNCOS, “Global financial turmoil failed to contain tourist arrivals to Cuba during 2008, but the island witness low returning visitor rate. The state government should improve the infrastructure to attract more visitors. This will also motivate employees to perform their jobs efficiently, thus improving the service quality.”
Related Market Research Reports:
Opportunities in Singapore Tourism Industry (2007-2009)
Egypt Tourism Sector Analysis
Booming Medical Tourism in India
