HAVANA, Cuba (10 July 2001) -- Tourism, which in recent years has overtaken sugar as the linchpin of Cuba's economy, grew by 10.7 per cent in the first half of 2001 and is set for a record 2 million visitors this year. Tourism Minister Ibrahim Ferradaz told the media yesterday the millionth tourist of the year was reaching the Caribbean island that day, three weeks earlier than in 2000, "and thus creating the conditions to receive 2 million visitors by December." | | "Tourism brings more than 50 percent of the country's total foreign-currency earnings, has generated employment for 100,000 workers and has reactivated other industries, confirming its role as the motor of the economy," the state news agency AIN said. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
