ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews how fundamental principles and practices underpinning Cuban socialist planning mechanisms have changed in the Special Period and to assess how strategies formulated for more locality-based and decentralized planning have translated into concrete realities. It argues that the institutional strengthening process embarked upon by the Cuban leadership to yield more 'inclusiveness' in the decision-making process, has been largely flawed. The chapter also reviews the historic development and the implementation of physical development planning in Cuba. It highlights old planning practices are becoming increasingly incompatible with new tourism project procedures and are in general need of thorough modernising. The chapter explores tourism planning and city governance in Havana during the Special Period. The army represents an important interest group in Cuba and its plans for tourist development may not easily be included within the urban planning process of Havana.
