Despite being entrenched in communist tradition and mentality, Cuba has
decided to open its arms towards foreign investment and open up an extra
eight golf courses around the island. Until the revolution of 1959, Cuba
had 12 golf courses yet the appearance of Fidel Castro as the head of
the country meant that the courses were eliminated. Nowadays, the
problem does not lie with the lack of a place to play golf for the
locals, yet the lack of money Cuba earns from tourism. In spite of its
attachment to communism, bans on trade with the US and visa
restrictions, foreign money is still welcome. This has led to the
approval of marinas and the golf courses. Cuba currently has two
courses, which will change to ten once the plan goes into action.
The problem is that 20% of Cuba's income comes from the tourist industry
and, being a relatively small nation, much of the income comes from
abroad. There were 2.4 million visits to Cuba last year, reflecting a
decrease of 12% on the year before and the signs this year have so far
shown that the situation is likely to get worse. Much of the problem
lies in the restrictions Cuba imposes on foreign involvement in its
affairs due to its communist regime.
Indeed, the local laws do not allow any foreigner to buy property in
Cuba, which leaves them with the only option of leasing the golf course.
That way, Cuba wins in every way: the money will come in yet the
political visage of the country will remain almost untouched. It is
almost as if the Cuban tourist authorities have admitted that they must
be at least a little flexible if they are to make money out of tourism
and foreign involvement is a necessary evil for them.
http://www.travelvideo.tv/news/cuba/05-11-2010/8-golf-courses-open-in-cuba
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