More and more adventure-seekers are choosing luxury tours to Cuba, according to new data.

Last year, about 2.7 million tourists took a break on the island, the country's tourism minister Manuel Merrero revealed.

This figure was an increase on the 2.5 million who holidayed there in 2010.

Hoteliers in the city of Havana have reported more room bookings, according to Reuters, and this year is set to be another positive one for tourism.

A travel embargo between the US and Cuba was recently relaxed, which may be one reason for the increase in holidaymakers.

Many Americans have been following the footsteps of Ernest Hemingway, who apparently had a soft spot for Cuba and who was reportedly seen in Havana hotels, drinking Mojitos.

At the end of March, more tourists are expected when Cuba is visited by Pope Benedict XVI.

The visit will be the first from the Pope since John Paul II went to the country in 1998.