Realistically, increased US tourism is the only change that will benefit individual Cubans the quickest. Lifting sanctions will eventually allow the country to attract foreign investments and increase trade but overhauling the larger economy will take decades or more. Tourism means individuals can open restaurants, B&Bs, drive taxis, sell locally produced goods and services, etc…things they are already doing but at a limited basis.
Social cohesion and ecological impacts are already a concern that Cuba is taking steps to control. They have in place one of the world’s most advanced organic agricultural practices (due in part, ironically, because of the lack of imported fertilizers), there’s already a strong eco-tourism industry burgeoning outside of the major cities, and a very robust artist community. The classic car community in Havana already serve as a fully functioning professional tour guide industry. The pieces are already there and ready to go as soon as the US again lifts travel restrictions (which hopefully a Harris administration makes a priority).
As mentioned above, decades of sanctions have necessitated the need for Cubans to become extremely self-reliant. Over tourism is definitely a concern but I’m open to other suggestions that will direct benefit the Cuban people immediately.
