Qatar and Cuba on Wednesday launched a joint $75 million project to create a five-star resort on the Caribbean island, officials said.
The gas-rich Gulf state is set to become the first Arab country to invest in Cuba’s booming tourism sector, after representatives inked the deal in Havana.
The 450-room upscale hotel complex is to be built in the south of the island and is expected to be completed by 2015.
While Cuba already receives millions of visitors from Europe, Latin America and Canada each year, officials hope improving ties with the United States will soon spell an influx of American tourists.
U.S. citizens have effectively been barred from traveling to Cuba for nearly a half century.
In 2008 the communist island received 2.3 million tourists.
Qatar Airways has once again come up trumps at the annual Skytrax passenger survey awards scooping several accolades, including Best Economy Class in the world.
The Doha-based carrier also earned the title Best Airline in the Middle East for the fourth year running, while its cabin crew have yet again demonstrated delivering the highest levels of service by being named Best in the region for an unprecedented seventh year in a row.
In addition, Qatar Airways’ global ranking has risen commendably, up three places to fourth best in the world – the highest placing of any Middle East carrier.
Ranked as the only Middle East carrier in the elite club of Five Star airlines as adjudged by Skytrax, Qatar Airways won praise for its continued commitment to offering the travelling public unrivalled levels of inflight service.
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