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The number of tourists who have visited Cuba’s destinations during the first nine months of 2004 totaled 1,559,185.

According to Cuban tourism authorities, that number accounts for a 13.1-percent increase in tourist arrivals, compared to the same period last year.

The main markets were Canada, which reported a 29-percent rise in tourist arrivals, Italy (4.44 percent) and Great Britain (30.3 percent in September).

Spain reported a 7.4-percent increase in September and an aggregate growth of 12.2 percent, followed by Germany and France.

Statistics also showed a 20-percent growth among Scandinavian countries, while in Latin American, Argentina and Chile reported the largest growth.

Cuba’s tourism minister said that 2,200 new rooms would be available during the 2004-2005 season, mainly in four- and five-star hotels.