Few of Cuba's tourists realise that the largest hotel business is Gaviota. Gaviota now has 24,000 hotel rooms out of a total of 62,000 and has a further 14,000 planned for completion in the period 2015-17. Gaviota is owned by the Cuban Military which also owns about 40% of the state controlled shops of Cuba. The military has been controlled by Raul Castro Ruz since the Revolution. The CEO of both Gaviota and Rafin SA (An abbreviation for owners Raul and Fidel Castro) is General Rodriguez son-in-law of President Raul Castro Ruz, and married to Deborah Raul's daughter.
This conveniently keeps everything within the family. Rafin SA bought out the Italian investment in ETECSA the telephone communications company in Cuba, for over $700 million - revenues should keep the family comfortable in retirement.
Gaviota hotels suitably specialise in luxury accommodation - a deep contrast with the standards of living of most Cubans and indeed that of the employees in the hotels.