Publications
Tourism Refunctionalization of the Historical Center in Old Havana
Old Havana's historical center exhibits significant gentrification, driven by tourism refunctionalization following its 1982 UNESCO World Heritage designation and Cuba's 1993 focus on cultural tourism. This process has led to urban landscape renewal, displacement of low-income populations, the emergence of a Cuban middle class, and informal housing revaluation. The study, combining literature review, documentary research, and empirical analysis, highlights socio-spatial contradictions arising from commercialization pressures. These findings underscore the complex interplay between heritage preservation, tourism development, and social dynamics in UNESCO-listed sites.
Havana in the Atlantic World
Havana's strategic role in imperial trade and its extensive fortification system, shaped significantly by the British siege of 1762-1763, highlight its complex development as a cosmopolitan hub. The city's economic transformation, dominated first by sugar production and later by tourism, reflects its evolving global significance. Post-revolutionary policies in 1959 redirected resources away from Havana, leading to urban decline, while UNESCO recognition in 1982 spurred restoration efforts. Despite economic crises following the Soviet collapse and recent challenges like natural disasters and pandemics, Havana's historical layers—from colonial fortifications to modern infrastructure—remain a testament to its enduring influence as Cuba's political and cultural capital.
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