Cuba sees tourism rise, French will renovate Havana airport

HAVANA (AP) — More than 2 million tourists have visited Cuba this year, state media said Wednesday, putting the country on track for a record number of visitors bringing badly needed cash to an economy facing a sharp reduction in subsidized oil from its chief ally, Venezuela.

Cuba has become increasingly dependent on tourism as Venezuela has cut back on the supply of cheap oil sent in exchange for Cuban doctors to staff neighborhood medical clinics.

Cuba has begun cutting back on energy use, primarily in government offices, where workers are being told to leave early and cut back on air conditioning.