Experts scared Cuba won't be able to absorb visitors

31 January 2016 - 02:00 By Staff reporter

Cuba's tourism industry is struggling to meet demand with record numbers of visitors arriving a year after détente with the US. Its tropical weather, rich musical traditions, famed cigars and classic cars were for decades off-limits to most Americans under Cold War-era sanctions. But, Reuters reports, as the restrictions are fading, Americans are now swarming Old Havana's colonial squares and narrow streets.Entrepreneurs and hustlers have responded by upping prices on taxi rides, meals, and trinkets.Cuba received a record 3.52 million visitors last year, up 17.4% from 2014. American visits rose 77% to 161,000, not counting hundreds of thousands of Cuban-Americans.Industry experts worry the island will be unable to absorb an even greater expected surge when scheduled US commercial airline and ferry services start this year.As it is, foreigners face extreme difficulties booking hotels and rental cars, and those who hoped to discover Cuba before the hordes arrive realise they are too late.Some have been priced out or bumped from hotels, especially in Havana, where high-end US groups reserve blocks months in advance and pay higher prices."From offloading at the airport to restaurant availability, infrastructure is maxed out," said Collin Laverty, founder of Cuba Educational Travel...

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