La Picadora: A Case Study in Cuban Agroecotourism
Document Type
Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
10.13169/intejcubastud.13.1.0008
Journal Title
International Journal of Cuban Studies
Publication Date
Summer 2021
Abstract
Agroecotourism is growing worldwide, with a Latin American focus on both cultural and environmental sustainability. In this case study, the authors immersed themselves in the seven-year-old agroecotourism venture of La picadora, living among neighbours and conducting formal interviews with 14 persons to learn about agricultural practices, hosting approaches, and the effects of tourism on life at La picadora. Results showed a community practising and committed to sustainable use of land and human resources, and revealed agricultural practices typical of broader Cuba. Foods served to tourists reflected a combination of Cuban tradition and ingredient availability. Residents noted cultural and monetary benefits of welcoming tourists to their communities. In conclusion, the La picadora collective is a microcosm of sustainable tourism, affecting and affected by broader socioeconomic forces. It is likely that this early agroecotourism adopter will become a model for other Cuban visitor hubs operating outside traditional beach-based ventures.
Publisher Statement
The International Journal of Cuban Studies (IJCS) is a peer-reviewed Open Access academic journal that aims to provide a forum for objective investigation and informed debate on the nature of the Cuban experience and related topics. From January 1st 2021, it has been open access and free to use.
This journal is published by the International Institute for the Study of Cuba at the University of Buckingham.
Recommended Citation
Moon, Krystyn R., Jennifer Rhode Ward, José Vazquez Rodriguez, and Jorge Foyo. 2021. “La Picadora: A Case Study in Cuban Agroecotourism.” International Journal of Cuban Studies 13 (1): 8–42. https://doi.org/10.13169/intejcubastud.13.1.0008.
Comments
This article is openly available on the ScienceOpen platform.