
Dr. Leal has led the government’s efforts to remake Havana as a prime destination for travelers from around the world—more than 2.7 million paid a visit to Cuba last year alone—while at the same time preserving the city’s cultural, urban and architectural heritage.
On May 18, the Latin America Initiative and the Metropolitan Infrastructure Initiative at Brookings will host Dr. Leal for a discussion on progress to restore Old Havana, establish a self-sustainable financing system to preserve Cuba’s historical sites, and promote tourism. Brookings Nonresident Senior Fellow Richard Feinberg and Robert Puentes, senior fellow and director of the Metropolitan Infrastructure Initiative, will provide commentary on the opportunities and challenges of urban redevelopment in today’s Cuba and its effects on the wider Cuban economy.
Brookings Vice President and Director of Foreign Policy Martin Indyk will provide introductory comments and Senior Fellow and Deputy Director of Foreign Policy Ted Piccone will moderate the discussion.
After the program, panelists will take audience questions.
(By Brookings.edu)