The Cuban tourist sector, regarded among the most dynamic in the national economy, benefits from the support provided by the urban infrastructure in the island where modernity combines with more than five centuries of history

Kilometers of excellent beaches supported by a wide network of extra-hotel facilities with the most varied offers and shows, as well as health options, provide an attractive combination in the island’s tourist industry.

The increase in the lodging capacities has included facilities equipped with modern technology in keeping with awareness for environmental preservation.

Likewise, several hotels are supported by over a hundred years of history, like the Plaza hotel located in Havana’s historic heart, which has been in service for over a century.

This facility was opened in January 1909, in the old mansion of the Counts of Casa Pedroso, thus becoming the third building of its kind in the premises of Havana’s Central Park.

Among other attractions, the Plaza hotel enjoys a privileged location across from one of the corners of the Central Park, near Havana’s Grand Theater where important ballet and opera performances are presented.

Also in Havana, the National Hotel stands out with seven decades of history and regarded among the ten Palace hotels in the world; during the 1930’s through the 1950’s it was the only five-star hotel in the Caribbean.

The oldest facility in the sector is the Inglaterra (England) hotel, opened on December 23, 1875 and named after the main world power of that time.

The list also includes the Sevilla hotel, opened in 1908 after several years of construction since works were started in 1880 by the investment company El Guardián.

The Sevilla’s architecture was inspired by the Moorish lines at the entrance of the Patio de los Leones del Alhambra (the Alhambra Lions Court), in Granada, Spain; in a style that enhances architectural elements like arcades, columns and abundant mosaics.

Havana’s historic center, declared as World Heritage by UNESCO, also includes over a hundred buildings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, while about 200 were built in the 18th century.

In addition, the second largest urban area of this kind is located in the city of Camagüey –previously known as Santa María del Puerto del Príncipe-, and also called the City of Large Earthenware Jars (Tinajones) due to the wide use of these big earthenware container to store water.