Are the Cuban government intent on improving US-Cuba relations? Maybe not. Are they keen on American tourists bringing their dollars into Cuba? Absolutely.
At a video conference last week between US tour operators and Miguel Figueras Perez, a senior adviser to Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism, Perez tried to reassure operators of Cuba’s readiness for a US “invasion”. For Travel Shorthand’s Christmas Quiz, try and spot the answers Perez gave to the operators’ questions.
Q: When will Cuba be ready for US tourists?
a) It depends how many, we could take a limited number now, but we are looking to improve our infrastructure and capacity so we can continually increase the numbers we will be able to welcome.
b) Never. Americans will be about as welcome in our country as the American contractor we are currently holding in a Havana police cell for handing out mobiles.
c) Now. We are ready the first minute.
Q: We’ve noted a distinct lack of golf courses in Cuba, how do you plan to remedy this?
a) Cubans really aren’t into golf. Haven’t you already got enough golf courses of your own in Florida?
b) Do you really expect us to ruin our beautiful countryside for the sake of a few American bankers?
c) It’s true. We need to build some more golf courses.
Q: But what about the continued political problems?
a) It’s true. Our government has always been at loggerheads with the US government and this will cause problems. Hopefully relations will improve in the future.
b) I’m sorry, I don’t really understand the question.
c) There’s always political issues and there always will be, but work goes on.
