Tourism in Cuba continues to drive nation’s economy

Cuba

Each year foreign tourists inject a huge amount of money into Cuba’s economy. Now the death of Fidel Castro influences the old historic part of Havana.

CCTV America Franc Contreras reports.

Habana Vieja – or Old Havana – is a main attraction for foreign tourists. Part of the experience is driving around in classic vehicles.

The National Capitol building is eye-catching and draws crowds year-round. Other architectural gems include the Museum of the Cuban Revolution.

As December approaches, the number of tourists here now is starting to hit its high point.

Tourism is a motor for the Cuban economy. Last year alone, in 2015 the Cuban government estimated that some 3.5 million foreigners visited this incredible place.

Walking the streets of Old Havana, you begin to get a real sense of how the death of Fidel Castro is affecting tourism.

The arches of the Plaza Vieja – the Old Plaza – are another must-see.

Many restaurants are prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages as this country observes nine days of mourning. Still, Café el Escorial did well, selling world-famous Cuban-style espressos.

Howard Parkin came to Havana on a cruise-liner from the United Kingdom.

“Obviously, there is a lot of respect for the death of Castro by the local people, and we have to respect that. It’s not affecting our visit. It’s one of those things that we will remember where we were on the day that Castro died,” said Howard Parkin from United Kingdom.

As Castro’s life is memorialized, life goes one, perhaps at a slightly slower pace than usual for everyone, including the tourists.


Aleksander Hoff on Airbnb in Cuba

As Cuba’s economy goes through rapid changes, homestay sharing company Airbnb might has seen a spike in growth in the island nation. To learn about the changes in the business’s growing opportunity, CCTV America’s Rachelle Akuffo spoke with Aleksander Hoff, an AirBnb host in Cuba.