New Golf Resort Planned in Cuba


A Chinese developer has announced plans to build a golf resort in Cuba. The project could be the first of perhaps 12 similar projects in the formerly closed island nation.

The new course, to be backed by Beijing Enterprise Group, would be only the second 18-hole layout in the country engirded by the Caribbean Sea.

In early May on the final day of the International Tourism Fair, Zhang Tuo, Chinese Ambassador to Cuba, Wang Dong, chairman of Beijing Enterprises Group, and José Reinaldo Daniel, business director at the Ministry of Tourism of Cuba, signed a letter for the development.

The golf course, to be located near Bello Monte on the north coast, is considered part of the efforts of Cuba to diversify tourist offerings.

Also potentially part of Cuba's new tourism initiatives are facilities related to water sports, nature preserves and outdoor adventure. The fair attracted tour operators, travel agents and journalists from more than 40 countries.

Earlier in April, U.S. President Barack Obama announced that Cuba will be removed from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism. Prior to that, President Obama began the process of normalizing relations with the Communist country.

Legislation was recently introduced in the U.S. Congress to lift a ban preventing Americans from visiting the country. Currently, only Cuban-Americans - and other U.S. citizens under special circumstances - are allowed to travel to the country.