Nostalgia vs. Globalisation. Cuba's Tourism Policy reaches a crossroads

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 History of Cuba – a short introduction

2.1 Revolution of 1959 and implementation of socialism

2.2 Cuba crises of the 1960´s and 1990´s

2.3 Cuba´s opening towards the western world

3 Cuba´s tourism policy in times of socialist rule

3.1 Attitude of the socialist regime towards tourism

3.2 Dependency of socialist Cuba on tourism

3.3 Involvement of local actors in tourism

3.4 Ecological aspects of Cuban tourism policy at that time

3.5 From the socialist orientation resulting restrictions in tourism

4 Impacts of opening up the country on tourism

4.1 General developments over the past years

4.2 Forms of tourism in Cuba and their meaning for the country

4.2.1 Beach holiday

4.2.2 Round trips

4.2.3 Cruise tourism

4.2.4 Alternative Forms of tourism

4.3 Chances vs. Risks

4.3.1 Risk of loss of identity – How to preserve the socialist attractions

4.3.2 Poverty vs. mass tourism – ways to involve the local population in tourism

4.3.3 Future projects and Destination Management strategies

4.3.4 Crime and sex tourism in Cuba – the negative effects of mass tourism

4.3.5 Handling with sociocultural differences between Cubans and tourists

4.4 Collaboration between western travel companies, government and population

4.5 Implementation of sustainable tourism vs. greed for profit

5 Changed perception of the destination Cuba in Germany

5.1 Meaning of the destination for German tourists and tour operators

5.2 How German tour operators could revise their portfolio for the destination Cuba

6 Future of the tourism in Cuba and recommendations for involved actors

Research Objectives and Thematic Scope

This thesis analyzes the evolution of Cuba’s tourism policy from the socialist era to the present, examining the socio-economic impacts and sustainability challenges arising from the country's gradual opening to the Western world, while evaluating the consequences for local stakeholders and international tour operators.

• Historical transformation of Cuba’s political and economic landscape.
• Economic and socio-cultural impacts of tourism development.
• Evaluation of tourism sustainability and ecological preservation.
• Role of international travel companies and their collaboration with the Cuban state.
• Future outlook and strategic recommendations for tourism management in Cuba.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: Provides an overview of Cuba's political contradictions and outlines the research objective regarding the country's tourism policy evolution.

2 History of Cuba – a short introduction: Details the historical background from Columbus to the 1959 Revolution, focusing on the implementation of socialism and subsequent national crises.

3 Cuba´s tourism policy in times of socialist rule: Analyzes the socialist regime's shifting attitude toward tourism, including its economic dependency and early restrictions.

4 Impacts of opening up the country on tourism: Examines the consequences of recent policy changes, evaluating specific travel forms and the resulting socio-economic chances and risks.

5 Changed perception of the destination Cuba in Germany: Investigates the growing popularity of Cuba among German travelers and evaluates how tour operators adapt their portfolios.

6 Future of the tourism in Cuba and recommendations for involved actors: Discusses the future trajectory of Cuban tourism and provides strategic recommendations for stakeholders to ensure sustainable development.

Keywords

Cuba, Tourism Policy, Socialism, Sustainability, Economic Development, Mass Tourism, Socio-cultural Impact, Destination Management, Cuba Real Tours, Joint Ventures, Historical Heritage, Travel Restrictions, Tourism Infrastructure, Cultural Diversity, Tourism Regulation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this thesis?

The thesis examines the historical and current tourism policy of Cuba, analyzing how the country balances its socialist identity with the increasing demands and impacts of globalized mass tourism.

What are the core themes covered?

Central themes include the economic dependency on tourism, the socio-cultural effects of foreign visitors, environmental protection efforts, and the collaboration between the Cuban state and international travel companies.

What is the central research question?

The research explores how Cuba’s opening toward the Western world influences its tourism industry and what consequences this has for the local population, the environment, and political stability.

Which scientific methodology is applied?

The author applies the "three pillars of sustainability" model (economic, socio-cultural, and environmental) to measure the impact of tourism policies, complemented by the "Sinus milieu model" to analyze traveler types.

What topics are discussed in the main body?

The main body covers historical developments, the transition from state-controlled tourism to market-oriented measures, the specific impacts of various tourism forms (beach, cruise, round trips), and the management strategies of the Cuban state.

Which keywords best characterize this work?

Key terms include Cuba, socialism, tourism policy, sustainability, destination management, and socio-cultural impact.

How does the author evaluate the "tourist apartheid" phenomenon?

The author views this as a critical negative byproduct of the tourism boom, where restrictions on local access to tourist areas created social division, casting a shadow on the industry.

What recommendations are made for the future of Cuban tourism?

The author advises limiting hotel construction to protect nature, increasing the involvement of the local population in tourism benefits, and prioritizing sustainable eco-tourism over rapid, unbridled mass-market expansion.