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Cuba:
record number of tourists
in the first quarter
CUBA
recorded 770,000 visitors during the first quarter
of 2003; a record total representing a 19% increase
on the same period last year, reported Radio
Rebelde.
Tourism
authorities brought these statistics to light during
the 23rd International Tourism Convention, which
began on Monday at the Varadero beach resort, one of
the country’s main tourist areas, situated 150
kilometers east of Havana.
This
year’s figure represents an increase of 2% in
comparison to the early months of 2001, the best
period the island experienced since tourism
dramatically dived in the aftermath of the September
11 attacks in the United States.
At the
Varadero meeting, attended by some 2,000 tour
operators, 900 of which have come from 60 different
countries including the United States, the committee
organizer commented that the numbers
"demonstrate the importance of a peaceful,
healthy and safe tourism."
According
to those representing the so-called leisure
industry, Cuba represents the most attractive market
for the United States, but the laws of the embargo
prohibit U.S. citizens from visiting the island
without a special permit from Washington.
Nevertheless,
official statistics indicate "a rise in the
numbers of U.S. tourists in Cuba via third
countries," currently calculated at more than
100,000 annually.
Mexico
constitutes the second largest source of tourists
for the island, with 98,000 travelers in 2001, and
some 82,000 in 2002. (DPA)
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