Originally Posted by
DallyingDingo
Do you have a reference for that?
Believe what you like but from what I understand, Cuba is currently stamping everyone's passport. They're not afraid of the consequences of the U.S. pros- (or pers)-ecuting a few of its citizens for visiting Cuba.
When Americans are allowed in, that number could easily jump to 10 million or more, which could already have a drastic change.
I can tell you that the way Cuba is set up, it will be a long time before the cities will be swamped with visitors (other than those who come only for the day and disappear at night, like in some small but immensely-popular villages in Europe). The reason for this is that there is precious little tourism infrastructure (i.e., hotels) outside the resort areas (or maybe more specifically, Varadero). Unless Cubans decide for a change of government and go for the neo-liberal
lassaize-faire model, the government is going about tourist development in a very deliberate way: Renovating old buildings instead of tearing them down and building a new, modern and/or uncharacteristic monstrosity. In Havana and other cities, you'll see old buildings being renovated and restored, converted into hotels and other businesses, rather than build anew. It's wonderful because it retains the charm. Look around Havana and you'll see some ruins, such as buildings with only 3 external walls left, propped up by scaffolding, so that they can be rebuild in the future.
One way Cuba has been increasing tourist capacity is by liberal licensing of
casa particulars which allows the independent and small-group tourists to find a place to stay (some hotels such as in Vinales and CIenfuegos seem to be almost always booked).
You should look at the 8th categoty of license, "Support the Cuban People". It would appear that by staying in CPs, travelling in TPs, eating in paladars etc, you can say you are supporting private enterprise in Cuba.