Cuba Tourism Fair Begins Monday

HAVANA TIMES, May 2 — While most of the island’s workers had the day off on Monday, Cuba’s International Tourism Fair kicked off in the capital.

Cuba will present its latest tourism products at the annual week-long event attended by tourist agency reps from dozens of countries.

The Caribbean island hopes to attract some 2.7 million tourists in 2011 with Canada and Europe being the leading markets.

In trying to draw upper end visitors, the ministry of tourism has embarked on the construction of new golf courses, marinas and luxury homes and apartments and other projects.

The Mexican tourist industry is a special guest at this year’s fair and its representatives will feature the Yucatan Peninsula in their offers.

Tourism is a leading earner of foreign exchange for Cuba, along with services rendered abroad by doctors and other health and education personnel and different types of technical assistance.