The Cuban archipelago, which has a privileged location in the Caribbean region, has benefited from steady tourism growth, despite the adverse effects of the international economic crisis, and is ready for the increase in tourist arrivals during the last trimester of the year.

Traditionally, the number of foreign travelers to the Caribbean island rises during the winter.

That growing trend is favored by Cuba's climate, which differs from the low temperatures reported in the northern hemisphere during winter, in addition to the possibility of enjoying the crystal-clear water surrounding the island.

Airports, hotels, recreational centers, car-rental offices and travel agencies work together to meet the demands from the growing number of tourists who visit the island nation in winter.

Destinations such as Havana, the Cuban capital, which is rich in traditions, culture and architecture, are among the most visited sites, thanks to a broad network of hotels close to the coast.

Moreover, thousands of hotel rooms are complemented by an infrastructure of recreational centers, nightclubs, sports facilities, shops and restaurants, where gastronomy plays a major role.

The development of Cuban society for more than 500 years is present in several gastronomic options that have become part of the country's traditions.

Typical Cuban dishes have been enriched by elements from European cuisine, including Spanish, French and Italian cuisine. Asia and the Middle East have also contributed dishes from Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arab and Indian cuisine, just to mention some of the offers available at Cuban restaurants and cafeterias.

Cuba offers diving enthusiasts more than 70,000 square kilometers of insular platform and some 5,000 kilometers of coasts, which are bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

In addition, the archipelago's geographic location turns Cuba into a corridor for migratory birds that travel long distances from North America to South America and vice versa.

Many varieties of birds migrate to Cuba in winter and nest near rivers, lakes and dams, as well as on the archipelago's keys, where visitors can watch the birds.

Natural and biosphere reserves, natural landscapes, national parks and protected areas make up a broad network of tourist offers, marked by their wealth, excellent preservation and unique characteristics that make them stand out in the region.