TOURISM REFUNCTIONALIZATION OF THE HISTORICAL CENTER IN OLD HAVANA

REFUNCIONALIZAÇÃO DO TURISMO DO CENTRO HISTÓRICO DA ANTIGA HAVANA

REFUNCIONALIZACIÓN DEL TURISMO EN EL CENTRO HISTÓRICO DE LA VIEJA HABANA

Abstract

This paper deals with tourism refunctionalization in the Old Town in Havana, which was marked by two fundamental events: the City Center (Old Havana) and its Fortification System were declared World Cultural Heritage sites by the UNESCO in 1982, a fact that bestowed international visibility to the architectural ensemble, and the government decision on cultural tourism development in this area from 1993 on, thus, making these historical sites attractive for commercialization and aggravating socio-spatial contradictions. The study, which comprised a literature review, documentary research and an analysis of empirical results, aimed at evaluating the renewal of urban landscape, displacement of a part of the low-income population, arrival of the Cuban middle class and revaluation of housing, albeit informal. These facts highlight that there is a growing gentrification process taking place in the Historical Center of Old Havana.

Keywords:
Cultural Heritage; Tourism Refunctionalization; Historical Center; Old Havana