The tourist industry in the island plays an essential role in the strategy for the economic development of the country, supported by its many leisure attractions ranging from traditional sun and beach options to other modalities such as congress and incentive tourism.

Natural, historical and cultural values are combined in Cuba to make up interesting options for domestic vacationers.

The tourist infrastructure, composed of recreational, leisure and lodging facilities in the different destinations across the country, is also important for the country´s development.

The Gaviota chain leads the list of Cuban hotel groups with 19,500 rooms, followed by Cubanacán S.A. (15,255), Gran Caribe (12,025), Islazul (11,793) and Habaguanex (586).

In this context, development plans comprise new investments on the diversification of the industry, including the Islazul chain.

The abovementioned group, with more than a hundred facilities, offers a large range of tourist products and options according to the individual characteristics of the leisure destinations.

In this sense, the company has hotels in urban, beach and natural environments, including some all-inclusive facilities, others with the elegance and class of the Encanto brand, and apartments and beach houses for long-stay options.

The chain is embarked on an investment process aimed at recuperating several facilities to increase the number of capacities.

In this sense, the Cuban hotel network seeks to increase its influence and effectiveness in tourist promotion, sale and renting of hotel rooms owned by Islazul across the island.

The company plans to increase its offer portfolio based on the reevaluation of a large range of products and modalities which can turn the chain into one of the most preferred options by domestic and foreign tourists.

As example, the company will open the Don Florencio Encanto Hotel, a four-star facility from the Rijo-Plaza complex with 11 rooms, as part of the activities to commemorate the 500th foundation anniversary of the city of Sancti Spíritus.

Meanwhile, the eastern province of Guantánamo included the services of the emblematic Martí hotel, with 11 rooms, in order to reinforce the chain´s presence in that territory.

The city of Camagüey is also taking actions with the inclusion of the Camino de Hierro hotel, located in El Gallo Square, formerly known as Soledad Square, in the Gran Hotel-Colón complex.

The strategy of the Cuban tourist industry to diversify its options is always aimed at the main objective of meeting the demands of domestic and foreign vacationers.