8. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the Eastern bloc economic trading partners sent a tremendous shockwave through Cuba's economy, with the GDP falling by 35 per cent. In order to prevent political upheaval and the total collapse of the socialist economy, the Cuban government turned to tourism and opened its markets to replace revenue that it depended on from the Soviet Union. Foreign firms were allowed to enter into joint ventures with the Cuban government and foreign individuals who were not residents were allowed to purchase houses. In addition, Cuban residents were allowed to rent out up to two rooms in their home to other Cubans or tourists.