Return to Transcripts main page

CNN World Report

Cuban Authorities Taking Strides to Improve Tourists' Health

Aired May 06, 2001 - 14:46   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ASIEH NAMDAR, CNN ANCHOR: Finding a fountain of youth has long been the goal of those that seek to defy the aging process. Cuba is trying to use this surge to boost its tourism.

SHIHAB RATTANSI, CNN ANCHOR: Authorities are taking advantage of this growing market niche, especially among baby boomers. Cubavision International reports on what is being done to guarantee vacationer's health in Cuba.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MARTA CARVAJAL, CUBAVISION CORRESPONDENT (through translator): The Caribbean is characterized by a high very international tourist flow, because of the beauty of its islands. That is why (UNINTELLIGIBLE) the conditions of tour installations to guarantee the health of vacationers.

EMILIO FALCON, CARIBBEAN HOTEL ASSN. (through translator): Due to the high level Cuba's health care system, the conditions of our tour installations or our staff's training level, we rank among the first Caribbean countries that can better face problems to protect the tourist.

CARVAJAL: For some years now, the Cuban ministries of tourism and public health have been working together on a series of parameters, such as raising water temperatures, using disinfecting protects and fumigation to guarantee the conditions in tour area to protect the health of international vacationers. Cuba's efforts on the field go beyond its borders.

FALCON (through translator): For us, the Caribbean is a unique tourist destination. That is why we are also working on multi- destinational programs. So, the health of travelers who come here go to Cancun or Jamaica is fully guaranteed; that is why we have very good exchanges on the issue.

CARVAJAL: Concerning the health of the tourist, Cuba currently has some favorable experiences to (UNINTELLIGIBLE) to having medical staffing in hotels.

DR. ALINA OBREGON, PHYSICIAN (through translator): The role of a doctor in a tour facility is very important. Because he or she is able to provide first aid without the need to go to clinic. CARVAJAL: Most Cuban hotels have doctors 24 hours a day or provide assistance in coordination with specialized hospitals and health centers. That is why, according to tour experts, Cuba has a health infrastructure that protects the visitor and guarantees the happy stay of those who choose the island as a tour destination.

This report was made by Marta Carvajal from Cubavision International for CNN WORLD REPORT.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com