The Cuban archipelago, a preferred tourist destination by thousands of vacationers each year, promotes the excellence of the tourist industry, in order to increase the quality of services provided to those who choose the island to enjoy a leisure vacation.

This strategy has yielded favorable results, taking into account that just at the beginning of the year’s second semester the country reached 2 million tourists, a figure achieved for nine successive years.

The recreational options in the country exert significant influence in these results, thanks to excellent beaches, warm waters and fine sands which are the main attractions Cuba offers to vacationers.

In this sense, the Cuban tourist agenda shows a combination of modernity and traditions in its diverse options, supported by the island’s historic, cultural and natural values.

Cuban nature attracts special interest in its more than 4,000 keys and islets where numerous natural, ecological and biosphere reserves; as well as protected areas and national parks, are located.

The Cuban avifauna is very diverse with a high level of endemism, including more than 350 species distributed through the country, where seabirds and those which live in the woods can be watched.

In ecological terms, the Cuban diversity is huge and the central provinces of Villa Clara, Cienfuegos and Sancti Spíritus are examples of the country’s potential for nature tourism.

The mountain ecosystems also contribute to the dynamic growth of the sector and many options already include tours and stays in these areas.

The relief of the country, including four mountain ranges which cover approximately 21 percent of the island’s surface and comprises 37 percent of the woodland, provides a significant potential for the activity.

The beauty of the country’s coastline and exuberant nature is complemented by the richness of its culture and traditions, an essential component of the island’s tourist product.

Races and customs have melted through the centuries, creating a unique culture which shows African, indigenous, Chinese, French and, of course, Spanish features; and which constitutes an incomparable mixture of enormous richness.

Cities where abundant examples of preserved colonial architecture can be appreciated; hotels linked to plastic arts; places of cultural and historical value; and a large agenda of celebrations and festivities make up the offer portfolio of the tourist industry in the country.

The island’s historic heritage, with centuries of accumulated history, can also be enjoyed in a wide network of museums which extends through the country to preserve its cultural and historic legacy.