Cuba's tourism industry, a fast-growing sector in the country's economy, is betting on more efficiency to guarantee excellent services to thousands of foreign vacationers who visit the island-nation every year.

Cuba's state tourist sector is complemented by private businesses, which involve nearly 4,280 rooms for rent and more than 700 houses for tourists.

Services also include offers by more than 1,700 private restaurants, in addition to the possibility for travel agencies to sign direct contracts with private landowners.

Traditional sun and beach options in Cuba are based on more than 70 kilometers of insular platform and some 5,000 kilometers of coastline bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

In addition, three dozen specialized diving centers operate throughout the country, providing initiation courses and diving tours in coral reefs and caverns under strict international standards for that activity.

Travelers to Cuba can also enjoy the country's nature, history and culture.

The country's mountain ecosystems contribute to the fast growth of Cuba's tourism sector, as many tours include excursions to those areas.

Protected areas, biosphere reserves, swamps and Cuba's endemic flora and fauna are also available to all tourists through specialized trails created for nature enthusiasts.

Cities such as Havana, the Cuban capital, which are rich in traditions, architecture and culture, are among the favorite destinations for foreign visitors, as a result of a wide range of hotels by the coastline.

The existence of thousands of rooms is complemented by a broad infrastructure of tourist centers where vacationers can watch shows and sports events, shop and eat, as gastronomy is highly appreciated.

In addition to developing the country's hotels, Cuban authorities' strategy is aimed at guaranteeing more efficiency to meet the demand from tourists.

Cuba also offers its beautiful coasts and exuberant nature, as well as its culture and traditions, which are essential components of the country's tourist product.

Cities with plenty of exponents of Spanish-colonial architecture in a perfect state of preservation, hotels linked to plastic arts, historic sites and a busy schedule of meetings and festivities are part of Cuba's tourist industry.