New Markets Open Up to Promote Tourism in Cuba

Havana, Jul 14 (Prensa Latina) With the opening of new markets to promote tourism, the different private businesses in Cuba today increase their possibilities, according to official reports.

A report on the initiative called Merca-Hostales points to two new establishments for these purposes, particularly for people who operate cheap hotels and need to make certain purchases for their proper functioning.

This issue was addressed during the enlistment phase for the inauguration of the so-called Merca-Hostales in the eastern Cuban province of Holguin and in the Ciego de Avila plant.

It is all about new facilities for sales of necessary products destined to the feeding and working of the of cheap hotels and restaurants' private operators.

The director of the Empresa Comercializadora de Productos Agropecuarios (Agricultural Products Marketing Company), Juan Carlos Rodriguez, told Cuban News Agency that this type of proposal can even increase retail sales and reinforce supply options.

During this month a Merca-Hostal will open its doors in Holguin and in August another one in Ciego de Avila, he said.

Among the products that are marketed, he mentioned citrus fruits, vegetables, root vegetables, grains, juices, jams, pre-fried potatoes, tomato puree, preserved candies, and apicultural nutritional supplements.

Reports from the Cuban Ministry of Tourism note that the non-state (private) sector has 2,152 restaurants and 23,185 rooms in private houses throughout the country.