As every media outlet wraps up the year that was, some are naturally discussing Cuba and how long it will take for Fidel to flatline. Since his brother has set up the system where some 75% of tourism revenues go to the government, however, change will probably not come as quickly as the giddy optimists hope.
Meanwhile, in Venezuela, Hugo Chavez is all to happy to take over as leading dick dictator. He handily won the last “election” of course, as if there were ever any chance of some other outcome. He told state oil workers they would lose their job if they didn’t vote for him and they “should go to Miami” if they don’t like where the country is headed. His energy secretary was caught on video making a similar threat, telling oil executives, “We support Chavez. Anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable with this should give up their seat.” Since Venezuala would be as dirt poor as Bolivia and Nicaragua without oil revenues, the threat hit a big part of the population. After winning, he took more steps to make sure he becomes a dictator for life. He yanked the license of the country’s only opposition TV station (RCTV), removing one more obstacle to a one-party state.
Over in Tajikstan, President Rakhmonov solidified his dictator position with 80 percent of the vote. The next closest candidate got 6 percent. This one was also never really an election: the government-controlled media was only allowed to discuss the incumbent and several of the most popular candidates were jailed and declared ineligible.
Thankfully, travelers are voting with their wallets. Not many people were going to Tajikstan anyway, but if Uzbekistan gets few visitors—with all the attractions it has to offer—it shows what an authoritarian regime can expect from the tourism pie. Not much. (I can’t help but wonder how many people visit Cuba just because it’s a novelty and how many of those visitors are just in it for the sex tourism aspect.)
In Africa, an interesting Wall Street Journal story on 12/29 noted that tourism in Zambia is booming, while tourism in Zimbabwe has plummeted. Both countries straddle Victoria Falls and Zambia’s view is downright crappy much of the year compared to the one from the Zimbabwe side. Nevertheless, few are willing to support a dictator who can probably be crowned the biggest dick of them all. Tourism income has dropped 70 percent since 1999 and the country’s currency is now worth about as much as the toilet paper you’re lucky to find in the hotel bathroom.
