TIME, of course, does have an impact, but Cuba’s original villas, celebrating their 500th birthdays, are as lively as ever and moving forward. The formula making this possible is based on a harmonious combination of tradition and modernity, along with residents’ awareness of the special nature of their urban environments.

Leading up to the commemorations, community work has focused not only on architectural restoration of historic importance, but also on improving quality of life throughout the area. Tourism has become a fundamental pillar supporting the socioeconomic development of these regions, with efforts underway to take advantage of the potential each of the cities has.

A protagonist par excellence in the country's history, this villa was where the national anthem was composed and sung for the first time. Cuba's only wax museum is located here and the area boasts natural sights of great beauty, ideal for enjoying nature, as was highlighted during the recent eco-tourism fair, Turnat 2013.

The city's November 5 celebration coincided with the beginning of the traditional high tourist season, thus preparations for the commemoration served a double purpose, according to Ramón Cereijo, Tourism Ministry delegate in the province of Granma. He reported that the hotels Sierra Maestra, Royalton and Villa Bayamo were in excellent condition to receive the many guests.

Cereijo also noted that many private tourist services are of high quality, competitively priced and complement state enterprise offerings.

The well-named Caribbean Museum City will reach its 500th anniversary this coming January 12 and activities will continue through the 18th as part of a Culture Week. Among the many events planned is the city’s first Culinary Festival.

This villa is characterized by the variety of tourist attractions available, including history, in the city's very streets and plazas; nature, in the nearby Topes de Collantes National Protected Area; and the beach, with resorts on the Ancón Peninsula, just south of the city.

Ridel Farías, representing the Tourism Ministry in the provincial capital Sancti Spíritus, confirmed that this range of options attracts a large number of visitors who report enjoying the area immensely. Currently, repairs and expansions of several hotels are underway, and should be complete by January, according to Farías.

Dariel Hernández, commercial specialist in the provincial tourism office, explained the region's development plan, which projects a total of 10,000 hotel rooms available by 2030. A major investment process is being undertaken, concentrated along the coastline, with prestigious international hotel companies such as Iberostar and Melia participating.

It is said that the labyrinthine streets of this city's historic district were designed purposefully, to confound pirates in the early days. Designated a World Heritage Site in 2008, the former Villa del Puerto del Príncipe, founded February 2, 1514, was famous during the colonial area for the contraband activity that flourished there.

Its principal tourist destinations are the capital city itself and the Santa Lucía beach resort on the northern coast. The city is undergoing extensive renovation. Beyond attention to historic buildings, urban issues such as the social uses of the environment are being addressed, according to José Rodríguez, director of the City Historian’s Office.

Santa Lucía is undergoing infrastructural reorganization, while its tourist destinations needed attention, and preparing to collaborate with international investors, said Víctor Veloso, Tourism Ministry representative in the province.

He emphasized that while sustained growth of the industry in the city of Camagüey will continue, the greatest potential for the development of tourism exists on the province’s northern cays, which is projected to have a total of 2,100 hotel rooms by 2025, specifically on Cayo Cruz and Cayo Sabinal.

The fourth settlement established by Spanish conquistadores, on June 4, 1514, is the only villa to maintain its original name. Other distinctive characteristics include the Parroquial Mayor church, the Yayabo River Bridge, the Teatro Principal and the House of the 100 Doors.

Yoel Gallardo, president of the Municipal Assembly of People’s Power, reported that the 500th anniversary program was initiated on October 20, 2010, with a call to the province’s people to participate in the celebration, and the work involved. Three years later, the response has included some 3,000 construction projects, at a cost of 23 million pesos, in a variety of sectors including commerce, restaurant services, housing, and education, among others.

Commercial specialist Dariel Hernández commented that Sancti Spíritus has seen significant growth in the private tourism sector which includes a wide range of bed and breakfast inns and small restaurants, adding more options for visitors.

Promoting new ideas and projects to expand lodging in the city, as well as encouraging events featuring local cultural expressions, such as the provinces well-known musical trios, are key strategies being implemented, according to

Roberto Vitlloch, director of the province’s Monuments and Historical Sites office.

The Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre Sanctuary, the Santa Ifigenia cemetery, ruins of colonial era coffee plantations, the central historic district and the Morro fortress are some of the principal historical sites and tourist destinations in the city, which was founded July 25, 1515.

Gisela Mayo, leading implementation of the City Historian’s Office master plan, explained that the city’s strategy is focused on improving residents’ quality of life, promoting economic activity, especially tourism, and reinforcing efforts to preserve cultural heritage, among other objectives.

Rafael Villalón, commercial specialist in the Tourism Ministry provincial office, identified as Santiago’s key cultural and historical assets, the Festival of Fire, the tumba francesa and the city’s leading role in the nation’s struggle for independence.

Likewise, he mentioned the rich natural environment, with both the Sierra Maestra Mountains and a beautiful coastline, with five hotels offering beach resort options.