Castro will not affect Cuba\'s tourism

President of the World Travel and Tourism Council, Jean-Claude Baumgarten said he is not expecting that the tourist arrival figures to the rest of the Caribbean will be affected by Fidel Castro’s stepping down.



Yesterday, the ailing Cuban President announced that he would be retiring after 49 years.



Mr. Baumgarten said regional governments should not become overly anxious, as Cuba has been accepting visitors worldwide for several years.



Currently, without receiving any stop-over visitors from the United States, Cuba’s January to September 2007 figures showed a significant 1.6 million arrivals.



Mr. Baumgarten predicts that if the United States opens up its market, it could have a ripple effect as thousands will flock to the island because of its newness.



He noted that tourists are keen to go to new destinations and in light of its history, Cuba will be the most sought-after destination especially in the first couple of years.



He also said that civil unrest in Cuba could adversely affect arrivals to that country.