Cuba: Record Number of Visiting Tourists in 2009

   According to the National Office of Statistics, a total of 2,429,809 tourists visited the

Caribbean nation in 2009 when Canada consolidated its position as the island’s main tourist market, followed by England, Spain, Italy and Germany.

 In spite of this increase, revenues decreased by 11% compared to the previous year due to the international economic crisis that resulted in an 8% drop in the flow of travelers.

 Taleb Rifai, General Secretary of the World Tourism Organization, said that this situation, which was aggravated by the impact of the H1N1 A virus pandemic, turned 2009 into one of the most difficult years for the sector.

  In 2010, Cuba hopes to consolidate its position as a unique and complete tourist multi-destination thanks to its natural, cultural and historic richness, and the safety it offers to visitors.

  Cuba’s leading role in the world tourist market has been confirmed by recent surveys. For example, Lonely Planet - the world largest publisher of travel guides and www.concierge.com, a portal specialized in tourism, place the Caribbean nation sixth and seventh, respectively, in the list of favorite destinations.