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Foreign tourists say "Cuban ethos" may fade with American influx

Thursday, July 02, 2015 - 01:30

Tourists in Cuba are wary of a rush of Americans on Old Havana that many fear will ruin the 'time capsule' nation. Jillian Kitchener reports.

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Hundreds of thousands of U.S. tourists may soon descend on Cuba's colonial cities. …Because the United States and Cuba have formally agreed to restore diplomatic relations on July 20. But some tourists in Cuba say they're worried about it becoming 'Americanized' as a result. (SOUNDBITE) (English) SCOTTISH TOURIST, PETER GILCHRIST, SAYING: "I think there is a danger of Cuba losing its Cuban ethos." Likewise, Australian tourist Melissa Peter says she thinks the country's charm may slowly fade: (SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRALIAN TOURIST, MELISSA PETER, SAYING: "I think Cuba is a country unlike anywhere else because it doesn't have the big brands and the big stores and the McDonald's and the Starbucks. I think that it will make it more commercial and I don't think that will be a good thing." U.S. President Obama says a new chapter is set to begin. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING: "Today, I can announce the United States has agreed to formally re-establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba." The diplomacy could pave the way to smoother relations with the rest of Latin America, according to the President of The Inter-American Dialogue, Michael Shifter: (SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT OF THE INTER-AMERICAN DIALOGUE MICHAEL SHIFTER SAYING: "Now Latin Americans have cheered, applauded what President Obama has done. This is his legacy in Latin America. And it's a very positive legacy compared to previous U.S. presidents in Latin America." But this legacy is worrisome to many foreign tourists, who fear the U.S. could change the "time capsule" nation forever.

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Foreign tourists say "Cuban ethos" may fade with American influx

Thursday, July 02, 2015 - 01:30