Urban growth and dual tourist city in the Caribbean. Urbanization in the hinterlands of the tourist destinations of Varadero (Cuba) and Bávaro-Punta Cana (Dominican Republic)

Abstract

[eng] The urbanization in of coastal tourist resorts in the Caribbean is produced by similar models, but their system of settlements and the inner structure of their urban hinterlands present several differences. This paper analyzes the different urban processes linked to two similar models of tourist growth in the hinterlands and the spaces of social reproduction of Varadero and Bavaro-Punta Cana. The existence of human settlements before the tourism development, their political systems (socialism and capitalism) and their spatial planning are key factors for urbanization and production of dual tourist city in those urban regions.