Cuba is the Caribbean’s forbidden fruit
Posted August 21, 2009 , add a comment- Worst performance for tourism
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Aug 21, 2009
U.S. Legislation is pending in Congress that would lift the ban on U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba. Travel industry officials estimate that as many as 1 million Americans might visit the island each year.
The question is whether Cuba is ready for a huge jump in foreign visitors.
The island nation has much to offer.
The lack of development under communist rule has left parts of the country resembling a land from a time warp to the 1950s — a welcome change of pace for many foreign tourists.
Cuba is close — Havana is only as far from Miami as Boston is from New York. And the country has beaches, mountains and a rich history.
Attractions Abound
The central Cuban city of Camaguey offers travelers labyrinth-like streets, which were laid out in the 1500s to be intentionally confusing to attacking pirates.
Tourists can go snorkeling in the Bay of Pigs, or lounge on the white sand beaches along the north coast that was favored by Ernest Hemingway.
In the city of Remedios on Cuba’s northern coast, the main church was built in the 16th century. Estaban Augustin Granda Fernandez, 87, used to play the organ at the church. Now, he is the caretaker and shows visitors around the sanctuary.
He points out the timbers in the ceiling, the original Spanish tiles in the floor and the statue of the Virgin Mary, who appears to be dancing the flamenco.
Granda also points out that the statue has a bulge in her belly. It is the only image of a pregnant Virgin Mary in Cuba, he says, slapping his own stomach.
EnlargeJason Beaubien/NPR
This 16th-century church in Remedios, on Cuba’s north coast, is one attraction in the town. Although the island has no shortage of tourist attractions, some worry it lacks the necessary infrastructure to accommodate a large influx of visitors.
Roberto Maseo, who works in a dive shop in the beach town of Santa Lucia, says Cuba’s main tourist market is Canada, because of its proximity. Flying time from Toronto to Santa Lucia, or from Montreal to Camaguey, is about three hours, Maseo says.
Santa Lucia has a series of two- and three-star resorts that sell all-inclusive package vacations. Maseo calls it a value resort. Scuba-diving excursions — all equipment and transportation included — cost about $35.
Maseo is currently preparing for a shark show. “We feed the sharks. No protection. Shark is actually swimming over you, over your heads. People can actually touch them. No problem,” he says with a laugh.
Economic Benefits Of Expanded Tourism
In 2008, tourism was Cuba’s second leading source of income after nickel exports. It’s a growing source of revenue that the communist regime wants to expand.
There are plans to open 30 new hotels across the island in the next five years.
While Cuban officials say they’re not banking on Washington lifting the travel ban, hundreds of thousands of additional visitors from across the Florida Straits could pump much-needed cash into Cuba’s flagging economy.
EnlargeJavier Galeano/AP
Musicians perform for tourists at the Hotel Nacional in Havana. The historic hotel was built in 1930 and modeled after the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Fla.
“For us, the American market is a big opportunity,” says Dario Fernandez, general manager of Hotel Melia Havana, a Spanish-run luxury hotel in the capital city.
The hotel has 400 rooms, seven restaurants and the biggest pool in Havana. It is jointly owned by the Cuban government and a group of foreign investors, and is managed by the Spanish resort chain Sol Melia.
Fernandez says about 3 percent of his guests are from the United States, but he estimates that number could rise to 50 percent without the travel ban. Last year, the hotel had an average occupancy rate of 82 percent — considered good in the business.
But there are challenges to running a five-star hotel in a communist country where ordinary citizens earn just $20 a month. For instance, the reason Melia Havana has seven restaurants is that few dining options outside the hotel meet foreign tourists’ standards. The Melia runs its own fleet of buses for its employees because the city’s transportation system is so unreliable.
American Tourists’ Historical Connection
The Hotel Nacional in Havana abounds with shared history. The Nacional was built in 1930 and modeled after the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Fla.
EnlargeJason Beaubien/NPR
Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner stayed at the Hotel Nacional on their honeymoon.
In 1946, American mobster Charles “Lucky” Luciano held a convention at the Nacional of American gangsters plotting to turn Havana into a second Las Vegas. In 1951, Hollywood stars Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner stayed there on their honeymoon.
After Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, he shut down the hotel’s casino and installed Soviet anti-aircraft guns along the front lawn — under which a bomb shelter, built during the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, still remains.
But if guests don’t want to think about the moment the world was pushed to the brink of nuclear war, mafia gambling rackets or the clash between capitalism and communism, they can sip mojitos at an outdoor restaurant, looking north across the water toward Florida.
Jesus Noguera Ravelo, a tour guide, says Cuba’s infrastructure is not ready for a huge influx of American visitors. He notes there aren’t enough buses, rental cars, quality restaurants or hotel rooms.
“But if you ask me about the will of the Cuban people, I would say, yes, we are ready. We would like to have more exchange with the American people coming from the U.S. to Cuba,” he says.
Noguera says the American visitors who do come have much more interest in Cuban history than other tourists — in part because the two countries have such a long, intertwined relationship. He says if he tries to give Canadians or Europeans a one-hour talk about the Cuban revolution, their eyes start to roll back in their heads. But Americans, he’s found, are eager to hear about it.
“That is telling you that we have a lot in common. And we have to know each other a lot more,” Noguera says.
Tropicana Las Vegas to get South Beach, Miami makeover
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By
eTN Staff Writer |
Aug 07, 2009
With more than 50 years of staying power on the corner of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard, the property once coined “The Tiffany on the Strip” has stood virtually unchanged since the last major renovation in 1985.
Today, the Tropicana Las Vegas unveiled its energetic new logo to kick off the comprehensive revitalization and rebranding of the legendary Las Vegas strip property. The vibrant, almost free-form logo replaces the previous diamond visual that has been used for more than two decades.
“The new company logo will serve as a roadmap for our entire transformation,” said company chairman and CEO Alex Yemenidjian. “From the Havana-inspired font to the lively color palette and unique arrangement, this image was designed to represent our vision of excitement, sensuality, rhythm, and style.”
“The unveiling of this new company logo marks the beginning of a complete renovation and rebranding of the property with an energizing South Beach, Miami feel,” said Yemenidjian. “The new Tropicana Las Vegas will have a hot Havana-like vibe with pulsating music, live salsa dancers, bright tropical colors and a sizzling nightlife scene.”
Recently acquired by the Onex Corporation and led by Yemenidjian, the Tropicana will undergo a long-awaited physical and cultural transformation. Tropicana Las Vegas’ planned US$125-million renovation includes the redesign of every hotel room, the casino, and world-famous pool area among others. There will also be several new restaurants, bars, a new poker room, and nightclub.
In addition to the physical renovations taking place, the new Tropicana and its team will exceed customer service standards, improve overall atmosphere and guest experience, and maintain the highest level of quality property wide.
No Beelzebub, No Devil’s Son to be Found! - Branson, Missouri
Posted July 30, 2009 , add a commentNo Beelzebub, No Devil’s Son to be Found! - Branson, Missouri
The first night I attended a dinner show in Branson, Missouri, I knew this was as different a place culturally as I have ever been to. As I was enjoying a pre-show dinner consisting of tender sirloin tips and a skinless chicken breast with a tasty baked potato at the Magnificent Variety Show, cover songs of some classic rock songs were blaring out of the loudspeakers. One in particular was Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. I was waiting for my favorite line from the song to be crooned out, the one about Beelzebub having a devil for a son, and alas, the lyrics were changed instead to referring to the song as being “a hoot”. Should I be surprised the devil’s minions were struck down in song since this locale is not only nestled in the Ozarks, but also in the Bible Belt?
The feeling I got as I visited this entertainment mecca was one of being transported back to a different time period. Sure, I saw lots of people talking on their cell phones, and the internet is alive and well here, but there is this sense of old fashioned values that emanates out of Branson, where the locals are generally polite and will ask you “Where you from?” Each attraction that’s narrated or live show will basically pay homage to our troops and veterans.
Branson entertainment is definitely not Las Vegas fare, as the live music shows that have been entertaining visitors since 1959 are aimed at a more conservative values-oriented audience. But that’s okay, for that’s the neat aspect of travel: being able to find cultural differences than the ones you’re used to, and still have a good time.
My first live music show in Branson at The Osmonds Theatre was still a memorable experience as the musical troupe led by husband and wife team Joe and Tamra Tinoco made more than 300 costume changes during 90 minutes of performing parts of some of the most memorable pop hits by decade in vignettes, beginning with the 1940’s and running all the way through today for the first half of their act, in which they dressed in the styles of each decade and impersonated the musical performers the best they could, which was quite good! Since I grew up in the 1970’s and 1980’s, my favorite covers that they did were when they imitated Michael Jackson’s Thriller video with all those ghoulish/zombie-like costumes and when they got into various uniforms to play the Village People while crooning out Y.M.C.A.
This Magnificent Variety troupe encouraged audience participation, too, as they came off stage sometimes to sing a slow love song to one of the ladies, and for one 1970’s vignette, they got some of the audience members to go back stage with them to put on some wacky-looking wigs and then they all danced before the audience.
In the second half their act following an intermission, the show consisted of full renditions of songs from various Broadway plays like Funny Girl, The Phantom of the Opera, and more, and ended with a patriotic tribute to America’s veterans and then to America itself. The only thing missing that night without Beelzebub and his devilish son was apple pie: after all, chocolate cake was served! Nonetheless, the audience made up of primarily middle-aged folks and senior citizens enjoyed themselves.
The Civil War “Re-enacted” at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede
As I walked to the entrance of Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede from the parking lot, Palominos and Quarter horses were next to the sidewalk to be admired. These horses would be used during a 90 minute show that takes place in a 35,000 square foot arena, with its staging area being about as large as a basketball or hockey arena in my estimation.
I was greeted at the door by young ladies dressed in Southern Belle costumes and taken to the pre-show area, where hundreds of other guests and I could got snacks like popcorn and peanuts plus soft drinks in a commemorative cup. We then got to watch the opening act of our live show experience, a comedian juggler and musician named David Lucas. He entertained us with his juggling of various items like 7 rings, 3 large knives, and golf balls which he spit out of his mouth. I really enjoyed it when he juggled some tambourines to the soundtrack of Arabic music, which created a pleasant harmony. He referred to himself as an “Oriental Redneck” and got lots of laughs talking about his life and show business family. He’s performed before the Queen of England and U.S. Presidents.
We were then ushered into the arena that seats 1,100 people by a Confederate and Union soldier, who determined which side of the arena we would be sitting on: The North or South side. I was put in the North, and after we were all seated, it was explained to us that we would be helping to re-enact The Civil War as each course of finger food was served to us over the next hour by Union or Confederate soldiers (depending on which side we were on). This included a fluffy biscuit, creamy soup (the bowl had a handle), corn-on-the-cob, refills on coffee and Pepsi, a small but complete rotisserie chicken that was super tender and tasty, plus a large and succulent pastry dessert that reminded me of a Pillsbury fruit turnover.
My side’s job was to stomp our feet at designated times and cheer positively at the Union soldier performers in the arena, and boo the Confederate side, who would be determining the fate of the Civil War not by violent means, but by various competitions with the stable horses and other farm animals like little racing pigs dressed in Civil War uniforms. In between competitions were comedy skits. Some audience members were used to perform silly things like ride a broomstick horse.
Before the Civil War competition began, energetic singing and period piece costumes and real animals like Texas Longhorns made up a show that focused on the history of America before the Civil War; for instance, we got to hear the players act like pioneers and sing campfire songs and see Southern Belles come down from on high! The Stampede really has this ability to get the audience involved and uses energetic music and great staging to make for a memorable experience.
Unbelievable Abilities Showcased by the Acrobats of China
If you see only one live show in Branson, it’s gotta be this show which is part of The New Shanghai Circus. We were instructed by the Master of Ceremonies how to say “hello” and “thank you” in Chinese before the show began so we could communicate with these stars at the end of the show if we chose to, as they would be on hand for autographs and picture taking.
I’ve never been more impressed with an acrobatic troupe over the course of two hours (including a short intermission), who used pulsating music and various special effects lighting to help underscore their feats of illusion, drumming, and Chinese storytelling (with one act employing ballet-like moves). I saw things by these gifted performers that I still don’t understand how it could be done. One of the acts involved a girl who stood on top of her head while twirling a four-legged table in the air while another group of young women twirled several plates in the air using long sticks! The guys in the troupe jumped through stacked hoops and caught each other in the air with their feet after they were thrust upwards, as if effortlessly.
I visited China in 2000, and watching the Acrobats of China made me feel like I was back in that enchanted land. Beware: the smell of buttered popcorn in the 1,000 seat arena was so overwhelming that I had to get some for myself, even though I try to stay away from food with a lot of saturated fat.
Note: Photos of Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede and Acrobats of China were taken with permission by the respective attractions. All photos by Roy A. Barnes.
Roy’s first Branson article at Bootsnall.com
Biography: Roy A. Barnes writes from southeastern Wyoming and is a frequent contributor to Bootsnall.com.
Viva la Summer: London
Posted , add a commentEditor’s Note:This is the third installment of Viator’s Viva la Summer, a special series encouraging everybody to hit the road this summer and unleash their inner traveler. Each week we’re selecting a “Traveler of the Week” from a featured destination, which earns you bragging rights and a $50 Viator Gift Certificate. Happy summer travels! Previous destinations? Las Vegas and Rome. Next week’s destination? New York!
Haven’t heard of Viva la Summer? Here’s the deal - as part of Viator’s celebration of summer 2009, we’re pointing a spotlight at top summer destinations around the world. This week’s featured destination is London (see below for some of our favorite things to do in London).
The first order of business: we’re pleased to honor our Viva la Summer traveler of the week. This week it’s David C. from the USA. He just submitted this photo taken on a Private Viewing of Stonehenge on a Stonehenge day trip from London. Do we love the photo? Yes! Do we love the fact that David is standing alone amongst the stones at Stonehenge? Yes! For being selected as Viator’s Viva la Summer traveler of the week, we’re sending David a $50 Viator Gift Certificate.
David among the stones, on a Private Stonehenge tour from London.
Viva la Summer, Viva London!
London is just about perfect in summer - not too cold, not too wet, not too crowded (at least compared to mainland Europe). Plus the dollar has strengthened against the pound, making London more affordable for Americans (and Canadians, and Australians, and Kiwis…) to enjoy the sights of London without completely breaking the bank. Viator has more than 100 tours and things to do in London to help you make the most of a trip to England’s political and cultural capital. Here are some of our favorites:
- Travelers can experience a great deal in one day in London with tours like the London Full-Day Sightseeing Tour including a private tour of the Tower of London and the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Other activities that help travelers explore many of the elements that make London such a popular destination include The Original London Sightseeing Tour: Hop-on Hop-off and the London Morning Tour including Changing of the Guard; and the Skip the Line: Buckingham Palace Tour, during which, for a limited time the Palace’s state rooms are open for viewing while The Queen makes her annual visit to Scotland. For travelers exploring beyond the borders of the city, the 12-hour England in One Day Trip includes visits to Stonehenge, Bath, the Cotswolds and Stratford upon Avon.
- Stonehenge Experiences - An excursion from London that shouldn’t be missed is a trip to view the ancient monoliths that date back more than 5,000 years and hold as much mystery and intrigue as the Royal family. An experience reserved for the summer months is entree inside the “inner circle of stones” - a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that takes place either during sunrise or sunset, available from Viator.com during the Private Viewing of Stonehenge including Bath (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and Lacock. Other excursions guarantee small groups or additional visits to important sites like Windsor Castle, Oxford and Lacock, the setting for many movies and television dramas, including Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
- Soar the Skies on the London Eye - A strong complement to the historic and classic architecture of London is the modern and sleek London Eye that takes its passengers more than 443 off the ground to take in views that stretch to more than 20 miles of landscape and include Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. Experiences available through Viator.com include London Eye: Skip the Line Tickets; the London Eye: Champagne Experience; and London Eye: Romantic Private Capsule for Two with Champagne.
- London for the Family - Most activities in London suit even the youngest visitors quite well but there are a few special experiences particularly geared to the younger set. The Private Tour: Harry Potter Black Taxi Tour of London takes travelers from Diagon Alley to the Leaky Cauldron in one of London’s famous black taxis with room for five wizards or Muggles. Other sources of excitement for the kids include the Medieval Banquet and Merriment by Torchlight; the London Rock Legends Small Group Tour by Minivan; Horse Riding in Hyde Park; and the London Duck Tour.
-Viator Travel Team
Five Tips For Traveling When You Are Single
Posted July 22, 2009 , add a comment
Sometimes, being single prevents people from visiting their destinations of choice. Generally, people like to travel in groups and it can be awkward or uncomfortable to travel alone. However, that really shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying yourself, whether it’s admiring the beauty of nature or immersing yourself in a different culture. Here’s some tips for the single traveler: 1) Join a group - many travel planning services offer group tours that allow people of similiar interests to gather together and share their insights with each other. It’s an awesome way to meet other people who are single and also looking for a traveling companion. A simple search in Google will find you a multitude of online traveling agencies offering just that! 2) Find a companion - With the advent of the internet, it is now very easy to find a companion to travel with you with websites like http://www.alexisclub.com. If you’re looking for someone to talk to, take care of travel plans, and are relatively well off, it’s not a bad idea to pay someone to pamper you and take care of all the minor details a vacation usually brings. After all, your goal is to relax and have fun! 3) Do things you enjoy and people will find you - While it may be nice to start with a group, it’s not necessarily better than traveling alone. Often, you’ll meet people heading to the same place on the way who are sociable and friendly. It’s often not hard to chat them up and go to the same places together. Not only will that person be interested in the place you are traveling to, you’ll get to pick who you interact with. Unlike going with a group or a companion, you are not tied down to any specific schedule or plan, so you are free to walk around and find more interesting people if the conversation starts getting dull! 4) Have fun by yourself - Just because you’re alone doesn’t mean the place you are traveling to isn’t enjoyable or fun. Oftentimes, it’s just in the eye of the beholder. Why not immerse yourself in the wonder of the place you are going to or the wonder people and culture? After all, you know what you like best, so being alone can be a blessing. There is no one to tie you down and no negotiating to do the things you want to do! 5) Travel to single people places - There’s many destinations that are very single people friendly, such as Las Vegas or Atlantic City. Many places are on majority single peple, so not only would it not be weird, it might be a good place to find someone who’s interested in you! 6) Find a traveling companion amongst forums and peers - If you like to pick out the people you travel with in advance, engaging in a travel forum or a special interests form may be a good idea. Or maybe just talk to your friends more often and see if anyone would like to come along. It sure doesn’t hurt to ask and you never know how much fun it might be! Above all, remember to have fun and relax! You are on a vacation after all, so whatever you like, make sure that it’s relaxing and fun, so that you can come back to your regular life fulfilled and happy!