Cuba was not only flocked by tourists because of its hotels, it was the go-to spot of those who wanted to escape the alcohol policy in America which was considered to be restrictive. This was particularly rampant during the years between 1915 and 1930. Havana was the center of it all.
Other than being lax on alcohol policies, other lenient policies when it came to leisurely activities attracted hordes of tourists. This tourism boom instantly became the third largest income generating industry in Cuba, only next to tobacco and sugar. Additionally, Cuba is blessed to be a tropical island. During vacation breaks, a lot flock to the island to enjoy the beach, warm climate, healthy tanning and fresh fruits. These are actually available the whole year round in Cuba, putting in on top of must go to places of tourists.
Then came along the roaring 1920s that brought with it an additional tourism boost. A group of political entrepreneurs, in the persona de la Cruz, Cortina and Cespedes, engaged in a joint venture with Americans to produce what came to be popularly known as the American Riviera. The collaboration aimed to entice American society elites coupled with the goal of improving the Cuban civic amenities. This venture led to the wide scale construction of several casinos, hotels and even country clubs.
For those who would want to take a trip down history lane, there are still hotels in operation that were built during the mentioned period of tourism boom. The quite intimate Ambox Mundos Hotel was built towards the end of the 1920s. The charm of this hotel comes from its claim to fame. It hosted no less than Ernest Hemingway who made the hotel his writing sanctuary in the 1930s.
The historical Hotel Santa Isabel that was built in the 1800s was originally the residential palace of Count Santovenia until he transformed it into a lodging facility that catered to travellers, including merchants and mariners, which were also leaning towards an academic experience. It was reopened in 1909 after being closed down for some time. The reopening was such a welcome treat to history buffs.
There too is the Hotel Plaza that is said to be the benchmark for greatness in terms of Cuban hospitality. The triangular shape of its construction united with facades designed in neoclassical themes help make it stand out despite the numerous sites in the city. Another historical hotel in Havana is the Hotel Nacional. Guests of this hotel have the privilege to be considered peers of the likes of Winston Churchill and Frank Sinatra, who preferred to stay in the hotel than the rest.
The flourishing tourism industry in Cuba suddenly took a plunge during the Great Depression periods of the 1930s and both World Wars. Fortunately, the 1950s rolled in with positivity that uplifted the tourism industry once again. It cannot be denied that the dictators Fulgencio Batista and his predecessor Machado took advantage of the thriving tourism industry to amass their personal coffers with riches. Nevertheless, both were able to do a lot in terms of improving the quality of life in the region. Cuba earned unofficial titles such as paradise for honeymooners and island of pleasure. The island attracted different types of tourist groups such as families, friends, lovers, gamblers and youngsters.
Then in came Manuel Urrutia who was the mastermind of the Cuban revolution. Upon sitting as the president of Cuba, he had a number of bars and gambling halls shut down. This move marred the image of Cuba as a tourist haven, especially those seeking almost unrestricted pleasure. As a countermeasure, then Chief of Tourism Board Carlos Almonia encouraged investments in hospitality facilities such as hotels and resorts. There were additional events that made Cuban tourism plummet lower, a deteriorating relationship with the US and the Soviet Union falling apart are just some of the more major ones.
Today, Cuba has surpassed the past. It has regained its footing in the world of tourism as a once again prime tourist destination. Most visitors are form nearby Canada, US and Mexico. Visitors from as far as Germany, Spain, the United Kingdom and France also come to Cuba in throngs. Cuba also enjoys visits from residents of other countries from all corners of the world.