ABSTRACT
This chapter looks at the political economy of tourism promotion in Cuba during the Special Period. It examines the rationale that underpins the 1990s economic and institutional reforms and assesses how these have shaped Cuba's new development strategy'. The chapter argues that this strategy has been grounded on the implementation of an Import-Substitution policy cantered on tourism, aiming to reduce the country's leakages and economic dependency from external markets. It provides an account of the position of tourism in both Western and socialist countries. The chapter outlines the political and economic dimension underpinning governments' intervention in this sector, and casts light on the politics of tourism in an international context. It examines the viability of tourism as a tool for the national development of transitional economies and developing countries, and discusses the main issues involved in tourism promotion strategies for such countries. The chapter describes the role and the significance of tourism in Cuba's new development strategy.
