Though the current diplomatic climate suggests continued uncertainty, the ripple effect of a potentially thawing relationship between Cuba and the USA resulted in an unexpected surge of international tourists wishing to experience Cuba before it opened to the American travel market. This book highlights the factors that are influencing, and in some cases complicating, tourism planning and development in Cuba. The authors explore a wide range of topics including tourism and land-use policy, competitiveness, responsible practices, gender and ethical advertising, the role of tour guides, emergence of casa particulares, experiential learning and solidarity, and authenticity through local art.
This book will interest students, researchers, politicians and investors with a focus on Cuba. It was originally published as a special issue of the journal Tourism Planning & Development.
Lauren Duffy is Assistant Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson University, USA. Her research focuses on tourism planning and development with a particular interest on how power influences stakeholder participation throughout a planning process in rural, coastal, and lesser economically developed contexts.
Carol Kline is Associate Professor of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Appalachian State University, USA. Her research interests focus on tourism planning and development, tourism entrepreneurship, and animal welfare issues. She has extensive knowledge/experience in Cuba having been involved in research programs and publication of empirical studies, and facilitation of study abroad programs to the country.