Cuba & Caribbean: Success of the LGBT tourism in spite of prejudice and obstacles

The LGBT tourism industry, makes its way around the world, also in the Caribbean, thanks to the defense of human rights in spite of old prejudice and obstacles.

The progress is backed by its huge global income, estimated from some sources in nearly US 70 billion annually. Although the gay behavior is no longer “politically incorrect” in a great part of the world, the combination of the need of many countries to show a kindly face to LGBT tourists and the opportunity to obtain more profit, generate sometimes ambiguous attitudes towards the sector. However, laws and social education can mitigate the problems without attacking or offend the principles of certain communities.

In some Caribbean states the local gays and lesbian face a severe discrimination, while are more doors opened to foreign gay tourists. The contradictions are often attributed to local religious beliefs and cultural issues unresolved.

Carol Hay, the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s director of marketing for the UK and Europe, said recently in a regional conference about the subject, that while homosexuality was still illegal in some countries, attitudes were gradually changing.

However admitted that the laws in some Caribbean islands “prevented tourist boards from actively promoting to the LGBT sector”, but insisted the problem no mean LGBT holidaymakers would not be welcomed.

Hay added the Caribbean should not look to segment its tourism offering to suit the LGBT market, but instead ensure its product “is inclusive for all, no matter what your sexuality, race or physical ability”.

Other experts believe that “the respect of differences” it is crucial in this topic. They reject the “preconceived ideas” about the LGBT population and   has Invited the Caribbean tourist capitals to “really come out the closet” annulling the laws against the LGBT population, if still have it , and include those people in their tourism programs without considering them “an exception”.

The most friendly destinations for Gay and Lesbian in the Caribbean are the tiny island of Saba, that was the first place in the Caribbean where same-sex couples could legally wed, St. Martin/St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, a mecca for LBGT travelers, Curacao, Aruba and the Mexican Caribbean.

Cuba Vacations: in a different way

Cuba Vacations Are Not Like Any Others

Cuba is a unique country and therefore a vacation destination like no other. The political situation for the last fifty years has made the island one of the few places in the world without mass marketing and mass media. It is a place which can confound and delight in equal measure and well worth a visit before things change. Cuba vacations are easy to plan using the internet as there is now tons of information about facilities on the island.

There are two ways to visit Cuba; either by staying at one of the many all-inclusive resorts or as an independent traveler. The resorts are generally clustered along the north coast of the island to the east of Havana. There is some top class accommodation available and some great deals. The beaches are really phenomenal and the water is crystal clear so they are great for a beach style vacation. Despite the fact that Cuba is a communist country you will not want for anything. However the resorts do not give you much opportunity to really get to know the island and its unique way of life.

Travelling independently to Cuba is fairly easy and extremely interesting. There are some lovely hotels with great facilities or you can really get to meet the locals by staying in a family house called a casa particular. What started out as a clandestine practice of residents renting rooms to visitors has become regulated by the state so it is perfectly safe to use these houses. They vary is style and comfort from basic to really beautiful as most Cuban homes are filled with antique furniture. Food is available at state run restaurants or you can often make arrangements with the people you are staying with. There are also licensed private restaurants called paladares where you can get meals of a high standard.

The island of Cuba is amazingly varied and the vacation possibilities are many. There are great cities, small towns each with a different character, national parks, stunning Caribbean beaches and world class dive sites. There are some unique ecosystems and wildlife species such as the smallest bird in the world, the Bee Hummingbird.

The capital Havana is unlike any other capital in the world. Prepare to be amazed by the architecture, culture and the people. There is a lot to see in the city and some of the highlights include the Cigar Factory, the Museum of the Revolution, the Malecon and the old part of the city, Havana Vieja. Cuban music is appreciated all over the world and you will hear it everywhere. A night out at the capital inevitably incorporates rum, dancing, live music and some new Cuban friends.

Santiago is the second city situated at the opposite end of the island from the capital and very different from Havana. The culture is more African and this is the home of the Cuban carnival. It is packed out for carnival week so if you want to go make sure to get reservations in plenty of time.

Transport can be annoyingly slow in Cuba, however it is the slow pace of life which many visitors fall in love with. Drivers can hire cars to get around more easily. There are a number of companies in Havana and Santiago which provide cars of a very good standard. You could even hire one of the old American classics.

Cuba Vacations are full of sun, beaches, friendly people and fascinating experience you will not get anywhere else. Check out the details on the internet to see what you want to do in Cuba.


Read More: "I, the Guide": http://cubatravelhelp.blogspot.com/2016/10/i-guide.html


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