LONG LEASES

Cuba prohibits foreign ownership, so golf course developers have proposed they be given long leases for their projects.

The government permitted the construction of a handful of condominiums in association with foreign companies at the end of the 1990s, most of which were sold or rented to foreigners.

Dozens of luxury hotels also have been built in joint ventures with international hotel chains.

A huge marina is being built at Varadero with the hope that U.S. sailors will one day make the 90-mile trip across the Straits of Florida to Cuba.

Americans are generally banned from visiting Cuba due to the 48-year-old U.S. trade embargo against the island, but legislation is pending in the U.S. Congress to lift the ban.

Marrero did not offer other details about the new policy, but said the official regulations would be published soon.

The new businesses "will permit the beginning of another stage for development of Cuban tourism ... in areas with tourist potential that still aren't exploited," he said.

(Source: China Daily/Agencies)