Cuba Looks to Golf as Way to Boost Tourism

Golf in Cuba? The country hopes to tap into that market as a way of enticing visitors to stay longer and to spend more money outside of Havana. Cuba has approved the development of golf courses, marinas and other real estate as part of its strategy to boost tourism, and it is negotiating with “several potential foreign partners” to build at least 10 courses, according to Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero.

Although interest seems keen, there are no groundbreakings scheduled for any projects financed by foreigners, Marrero said. In fact, many of these proposals have languished for years, but now that the government is seeking new revenue streams for tourism, things could move ahead. The plan, touted by Cuban officials at the recent U.S.-Cuba Travel Summit in Cancun, also included announcements of future hotel and airport expansions.

While Cuba’s annual tourism statistics are the envy of many other Caribbean islands —more than 1.1 million visitors from January through April— most visitors stay in Havana or at the all-inclusive beach resorts. The government wants the foreigners out in the countryside, teeing off on emerald fairways, smoking cigars on the putting green and sipping tequila at the 19th hole.