Cuba's tourism strategy, based on the country's excellent location, bets on diversity to design tourist programs and develop the sector.

Traditional sun and beach options in world-renowned coastal resorts such as Varadero and Santa Lucía are complemented by new elements.

According to authorities, the changes in Cuba's economic model envisage the growing presence of private stakeholders in the tourism industry.

In that regard, the enlargement of the hotel infrastructure is implemented at the same time as some 1,600 private houses and 7,500 rooms operate in the non-state sector.

In addition, Cuba's investment policy prioritizes foreign capital to take advantage of business opportunities in the country and the influence of first-line foreign companies in the tourism industry.

In the gastronomic sector, there are nearly 1,480 private establishments, which provide high-quality services for both Cubans and foreigners.

Cuban cuisine has inherited the best element of several cultures, as tourists can taste delicious dishes from Asia, Italy and Mexico, among other countries.

As a complement, Cuba offers its unique Havana cigars and rum for great occasions.

In that background, the Cuban capital, rich in traditions, architectural styles, culture and an excellent Caribbean climate, offers a wide range of hotels and facilities linked to the tourism sector.

Havana's Historic Heart holds several museums, churches, cultural sites and buildings from the Spanish-colonial period, including 33,000 buildings that were constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In Jardines del Rey (King's Gardens), one of Cuba's major tourist destinations, 30 kilometers of pristine beaches are available for tourists who visit Cao Coco and Cayo Guillermo. The latter holds the highest sand dunes in the Caribbean region (15 meters high).

In eastern Cuba, vacationers can visit the beaches Guardalavaca, Esmeralda and Pesquero.

Diving enthusiasts can enjoy more than70,000 kilometers of Cuba's insular platform at a dozen diving centers throughout the country.

Cuba's mountain ecosystems also benefit from the fast growth of the country's tourism sector, so they provide a wide range of offers for tourists.

There is great potential in Cuba's mountains, as there are four mountain ranges that cover about 21 percent of the island's total area and hold 37 percent of Cuba's forests.