Hi all,

I am a British research student who is in need of your assistance- I am carrying out a small-scale project on tourism in Cuba.

For one aspect of my research, I need to find out why people choose to holiday or travel to Cuba. I would appreciate any responses or suggestions given, and of course, any responses will be kept private if I may include a quote or two in my project write up.

Thankyou for any feedback,

Dan

because it is a beautiful country with an interesting / sad history.
It's also like stepping back in time - or it is until Castro dies...

I visited in 1997 and was drawn by pink-tinted spectacles, i.e. my innate socialism.

While I was delighted by the country and the system (universal health and education), I was very disappointed by the rampant capitalism which translated into jiniteros everywhere, fraud, theft etc. For years I told myself I would never return, but I think I now would but with much much different expectations.

I was also disappointed by Cuba's lack of vision - they could easily be fuel self-sufficient if they used their sugar to make ethanol like Brazil, instead of having to rely on imported oil.

Obviously there are human rights issues, with political prisoners and HIV+ people treated very badly. But whether this is worse than, say, the USA, or just different, is hard to say. At least Cuba doesn't invade other countries for their oil...

Pete

I'm going to Cuba next month. I chose to go there because from what I know of it, it's a unique country. It doesn't seem to fit into what I tend to think of as the Caribbean islands, because it has a different type of history. It appears to be stuck in the past, and from what I've read, the people are friendly and welcoming.
Also, the atmosphere is appealing to me- Salsa music/dancing and rum. Sort of like paradise but more interesting!

Good Luck with your project! I'm studying tourism too, so I love visiting different countries, especially where the culture is so different (I'm British too).

I recently visited Cuba, it was never really a place that stood out for me. I never thought i'd really enjoy going to Cuba but was very pleasantly suprised. It is a really honest country, no gimmicks or glitzy promotions, what you see is what you get. The people of Cuba although poor are happy and really friendly, it is the most friendly place i have ever been to. I hope Cuba will continue to be as genuine and honest and not succumb to becoming another paradise ruined by money-hungry business people building convenience food outlets like MacDonalds everywhere.

link it to historical events... Cuba is an important player in world history. good luck!