Cuba Stats – Post Fidel Castro Tourism

Last time I reported about why one should visit Cuba before it changes and now I have stats proving that many people have taken it to their heart and have acted upon it. Tourism in Cuba has been soaring since (former) president Fidel Castro announced that he was stepping down.

The departure of Fidel Castro will likely combine with lift of the US travel embargo after US presidential election in a few days. Each of main presidential candidates has said that they would consider a softer approach towards Cuba when elected. While Barack Obama talked about normalizing relation and easing the embargo of the past five decades, John McCain is ready to consider a softer approach towards Cuba, provided Cuban government releases political prisoners.

Old Continental Building in Havana, Photo: Patxi64, Flickr

The embargo will likely be relaxed under a new US president, regardless of who’s elected. However, it’s not gonna happen immediately. It may take a year or two before the boycott is lifted and Americans are free to travel to Cuba again. This means that those who would like to experience Cuba before it changes will still have a chance, but the trip should not be put off too long. Once embargo against Cuba is lifted, the golden era of tourism to Cuba will end and the soaring stats will go through the roof. The real reasons why so many tourists were attracted to Cuba – outdated way of life, culture and history resembling the 50′s, as if the time has never moved on since the revolution 49 years ago and the fact that Cuba is “not touristy” – will forever be gone.

And looking at Cuba tourism stats, many people have realized that. Those who had visited Cuba in the past and were fascinated by their way of life scheduled another travel just to experience it one more time. Those who have never made it to Cuba, rushed to book their trip. Tour operators who offer trips to Cuba report increased interest and boost in sales that started immediately after Fidel Castro announced his step down. Stats from certain flight operators, such as British “Cheap Flight” suggest an eight fold spike in Cuba related searches with their booking engine.

First five stars hotels opened in Cuba recently. For the first time ever Cuba has a five star – this fact also proves increased interest from investors who realize immense potential Cuba carries. Investors know that when US embargo is lifted, Cuba will not have enough beds to accommodate floods of new tourists. Upmarket guests will seek top notch hotels and while there hasn’t been any for almost 50 years, now Havana has a five star Saratoga, Trinidad has Iberostar Grand Hotel and Ensenachos has Royal Hideaway.

Five Star Hotel Saratoga in Havana, Photo: emiana, Flickr

Cuba tourism stats show rapid increase in tourism since Fidel Castro stepped down. One of the biggest charms of Cuba was that it wasn’t touristy. This charm will be gone the moment US embargo is lifted. The golden years of tourism in Cuba will ultimately end and Cuba will be just another destination hardly different than most others. Time to visit Cuba is now. You can go to Mexico or Dominican Republic in five years and it will be the same as this year. Cuba will not. Cuba is bound to change. Don’t miss on one of the last opportunities to visit the most unique island on Earth.