Cuba's tourism industry, turned into an essential element of the national economy, supports its development in governmental measures that favor its operations.

Supported by the country's natural, historic and cultural wealth, authorities have declared several areas of the archipelago with the condition of territories of preferential tourist use.

In that regard, several Cuban regions have been declared recently with this statute.

Among them is the area north of Holguín province, called Cayo Saetía, in the municipality of Mayarí.

In its 42 square kilometers of extension, the islet hold more than half of the territory populated with forests, which in turn serves as a shelter for a diverse fauna, with white-tailed deer, zebras and antelopes.

Regarding hunting, this activity is performed under strict observance of the established regulations, both national and international, to avoid damage to the area's habitat and preserve the natural environment.

For diving enthusiasts, Cayo Saetía also offers a coral reef that borders the key, the same that is located off the north coast of the eastern Cuban province of Holguín.

Likewise, on Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth), the area surrounding the keys north of the island, was declared territories of preferential tourist use.

On the other hand, in western Pinar del Río, the zone north of the province, in the municipality of Minas de Matahambre, adjacent to Cayo Jutías, as well as the so-called Mégano de Casiguas, was designated an area for preferential tourist use.

The latter is a site of charms, abundant flora and fauna, pristine beaches, pleasant climate and natural treasure in the Los Colorados archipelago, made up of 160 small islands, where a wide range of options linked to the environment can be enjoyed.

In turn, the area located on the south coast of Sancti Spíritus, called the South Coast, was declared a territory of preferential tourist use.

In the province of Cienfuegos, in the municipality of Cumanayagua, next to the highway that connects the cities of Cienfuegos and Trinidad, between the coves of Guajimico and Ambuila, it was also declared for tourist use.

In Havana, all tourist development is concentrated in the four coastal municipalities of the Cuban capital (Habana del Este, Habana Vieja, Plaza and Playa).

Currently, nearly two dozen international hotel chains operate in Cuba, of which more than 10 are Spanish, such as Meliá or Iberostar.

These companies run some 70 hotels under management and marketing contracts, representing 21 percent of accommodations and 52 percent of all rooms.