Some 134,000 South Americans Traveled to Cuba in 2011

Buenos Aires, December 30. -Nearly 134,000 South American visitors traveled to Cuba up to December 25, according to statistics from the Cuban Office of Information and Promotion of Tourism for the Southern Cone released on Thursday.Argentina was the leading source of tourists, with 74,473 visitors, which represents a growth of 30.19 percent compared to 2010, said the report.

Another leading country is Chile, which sent 23,377 travelers to Cuba, for an annual increase of 34.88 percent.

Uruguay also has been growing above 36 percent, totaling more than 6,800 visitors, while Brazil (13,751) just increased by 0.42 percent. Peru, which sent almost 14,700 tourists, is still below last year's levels.

During the International Tourism Fair of Latin America, FIT 2011, which closed last November in Buenos Aires, Cuban authorities offered full guarantees for the success of the largest air operation with Argentina, scheduled for January to April 2012.

The director of the Office of Information and Promotion of Tourism of Cuba for the Southern Cone said that in the reference period the number of direct weekly flights between the Buenos Aires and Havana, Varadero, Cayo Largo, Cayo Coco, Santa Clara and Holguin will increase to eight. (Prensa Latina)