It has been some time since I gave an update about our quest to restore our small piece of San Antonio de los Baños to its former glory. The photos below give a good idea of how we are progressing. It was a bigger job than we anticipated, but we still expect to be finished either next month or the month after (see link for photos of construction site below)
paulharveycubaholiday.blogspot.com/2016_08_01_archive.html
Our work has taken on a new significance. So far, our town has been relatively devoid of foreign visitors. However, this week, our government announced that it has granted French Companies Bouygues and Aeroports de Paris a concession to operate, modernise and expand José Martí International Airport in Havana AS WELL AS THE AERODROME OF SAN ANTONIO DE LOS BAÑOS.
This is necessary because of the tremendous success of the Cuban Tourist Industry, which has seen visitor numbers rise significantly over recent years. This year we expect another record 3,800,000 visitors and will surely surpass the 4 million mark with flying colours next year.
Whilst it is still unclear what role our town will play in all this, it is likely that in the future, the first place in Cuba that some visitors might see is San Antonio de los Baños.
At the time of writing, we are not yet able to give a firm date as to when our Bed & Breakfast overlooking the Church Square will open, therefore, cannot take any bookings. However, if anybody is interested in visiting the home of Havana’s future second International Airport, we are happy to help out with suggestions for accommodation, onward travel arrangements and excursions.
Hope to see you in the future.
Paul