CUBAN TRANSITIONS

In their text concerning Cuba and tourism, Joseph L. Scarpaci and Armando H. Portela venture to discover “the magnetism of Cuba for the international tourist, regardless of the merits and detriments of the communist government” (114). As the text proceeds to explain, in spite of Cuba’s controlling and repressive government, it nevertheless draws a large number of visitors due to its untouched beauty, ‘exotic’ atmosphere, and overall lack of an American presence. As is made clear in the article, while Cuba’s socialist government has alienated some of the international community (most notably the United States), it is still considered to be a top destination spot that can fulfill one’s desire for sex, sand, and sun.

In response to this, I found myself curious to learn more about how Cuba specifically presents itself to tourists. When one visits Cuba’s “Ministerio de Turismo” website, it is made quite clear that Cuba is a place of great beauty and excitement. In the website’s “About Cuba” section, one can learn about everything from the country’s size to its diverse ecosystem. Cuban people are even described as “joyful, witty, sympathetic, and fall in love very easily. They are also hospitable, kind, zealous of that what is of his own and open-handed and unselfish.” Through such descriptions, one gets the impression that Cuba is a serene, relaxing oasis where one can escape from the trauma and stress of everyday life.

However, interestingly enough, the site includes  little to no information about the government. While Cuba’s health and education programs are described as being some of the most successful and advanced systems in the region, there is no explanation about how they are run or why they are the way they are. When speaking of the nation’s history, the website leaves out the last hundred years (including the revolution, Che, and Fidel) and focuses solely on the colonial period. If anything, the one instance where one can detect a subtle nod to the revolutionary government in the description of a true Cuban citizen.  Above all else, Cubans are  “noble and honest patriots.” Taken as a whole, it is evident that  the Ministerio de Turismo has consciously glossed over topics or controversial subjects that could potentially be worrisome for visitors.

Moreover, this rather vague approach is not only used on the official government’s website. According to Canada’s Cuba Tourist Board, “Going to Cuba is like taking a trip around the world in perfect weather… Whether you’re in a car or on a bus, train or boat, you’ll find a new experience around every bend. Hang on to your hats…and get ready for adventure.” Once again, one can see that potential visitors are enticed with the promise of excitement, amusement, and one-of-a-kind experiences. In the website’s section of general information, one can learn everything from the national flower (butterfly lily) to the national bird (the Trogon bird) without so much as a sentence about the government or its politics. To the uninformed tourist, Cuba is just another ‘perfect’ tropical destination.

In particular, these descriptions are quite striking when compared to the United States’ official views on the country. As stated by the U.S. Department of State, “Cuba is a totalitarian police state which relies on repressive methods to maintain control. These methods include intense physical and electronic surveillance of both Cuban citizens and foreign visitors. Americans visiting Cuba should be aware that any on-line activities could be subject to surveillance, and their contacts with Cuban citizens monitored closely.” This depiction is a far cry from the imagery portrayed by Canada’s Cuba Tourist Board, in which Cuba is described as “a country of great artistic manifestations and world reknown [sic] creators.” Granted, one must realize the Department of Consular Affairs is not trying to sell Cuba to its audience. Nevertheless, it is significant to realize how presentation can affect one’s perception of place. It would be interesting to hear whether potential travelers would have any reservations about visiting Cuba after hearing such an assessment.

sources:

http://www.gocuba.ca/client/pictures/index.php

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1097.html#country

http://www.cubatravel.cu/otroe/