Cuba To Build 16 Golf Courses by 2011

Havana, Dec 7. -Cuban authorities announced on Monday that they are in talks with international firms for the construction of 16 golf courses as of early 2011, as part of a strategy to diversify its tourist, recreational offers.

A release of the Ministry of Tourism posted on cubatravel.cu website quotes Minister Manuel Marrero as saying that the agreement, already approved by the Council of Ministers, is about to be implemented.

He stated that contracts and articles of association of joint ventures to be created for the purpose are under analysis.

According to the official, the negotiations of four of the 16 projects are on a very advanced stage and involve Holguin (eastern Cuba), Pinar del Rio, Havana and Varadero beach (western Cuba).

There are currently two golf fields in Cuba: the Varadero Golf Club, with 18 holes and 170 acres, and that of Capdevila, in Havana City, which is smaller.

Experts like Peter Walton, Chief Executive Officer of the London-based International Association of Golf Tourism Operators, consider that the Island might become a power in this activity, according to the note. (Prensa Latina)