Cuba looks to boost tourism arrivals

Argentina visitors second highest in Cuba.

HAVANA, Cuba, Friday March 16, 2012 – Cuba is today reporting a 40 per cent increase in the number of tourists from Argentina visiting the island with over 29, 000 going to the communist country so far this year.

According to reports from the Cuban Tourism Office for the Southern Cone, that figure represents an increase over 2010 figures by more than 86 per cent.

The report adds that 47, 407 visitors travelled to Cub from the southern-most areas of South America up to March 11, representing a 24.31 increase.

Cuba is also the top choice for visitors from Chile, Brazil and Peru. Meanwhile, Uruguay has sent more than 1, 7000 visitors less than last year, and Paraguay not considered as an important market for the island, but recorded an 80.77 per cent growth with 235 travellers visiting the country.

The National Statistics Office of Cuba indicate that despite its increase Argentina rates second among countries sending more travellers to Cuba. It falls behind Canada, but comes before Italy, France and the UK.

It is expected that the International Tourism Fair of Cuba slated for May 8 to 11 this year, will boost the island’s tourist arrivals. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)