Two million tourists to Cuba
• For the eighth year running and 32 days earlier than in 2010

ON September 17, Cuba welcomed its two millionth tourist of the year. The total number of visitors has been in excess of this figure for eight consecutive years, and was achieved 32 days earlier than in 2010.

Despite this figure now being habitual, it is still worth celebrating, as its constancy confirms Cuba’s position as a destination for vacationers, something which is further borne out by an increasing number of repeat visitors, as noted in a communiqué from the Ministry of Tourism.

The occasion, as the note states, invites a more competitive and efficient tourism and a recognition of the cooperation given by friends from all over the world: clients, partners in joint ventures, tour operators, travel agents, airline companies and associated hotel chains, workers in the sector, officials, the press and communicators, among others, all of whom have made possible what has been achieved to date.

During 2011 there has been significant growth in the numbers of Canadian, Russian and South American tourists visiting Cuba. There have also been advances in national tourism, one of the principal lines of work.

The Ministry of Tourism note states that Canada has consolidated itself as the principal source market, and the United Kingdom as the most important in Europe, followed by Italy, Spain, France, Germany, Mexico, Argentina and Russia.