The Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, described Cuba as an ideal country for tourism with natural, beach and human attractions and for being one of the safest nations in the world.
In statements to the press, after concluding the 42nd International Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2024), the head of the sector pointed out that this is a recognition from visitors to the Island, opinion leaders from Latin America and members of UN Tourism.
He highlighted that the relationships with Canadian airlines and tour operators go beyond commercial, reaching loyalty with customers, and added that that country will continue to be, by far, the main tourist market for Cuba.
On the other hand, he pointed out that the goal of exceeding three million visitors will be “difficult, but it is still early to say that we are not going to achieve it. “We are working to fulfill it, since the arrival of tourism affects the quality and development of the town.”
CONNECTIVITY, FUNDAMENTAL ASPECT
García Granda commented that one of the biggest problems in the Caribbean is connectivity, an aspect that is promoted through studies with the corresponding entities.
He highlighted that, for the region, the multi-destination is beneficial by achieving growth in tourists in the area; Meanwhile, he noted, it is necessary to make more than one option in long-distance destinations.
He commented that Cuba’s aspiration for the Latin American market is also influenced by the arrival of visitors from Mexico, Colombia and Argentina who, despite the situation with Cubana de Aviación, “we are not going to give up on them being able to come to Cuba through connectivity with Copa Airlines or others.
Likewise, work is being done with Peru and Bolivia – where flights to Cuba have already been made – but direct flights with Brazil are missing, in addition to increasing connectivity with Russia and Turkey, although the latter market still needs to be further stimulated.
DIGITALIZATION OF THE CUBA DESTINATION
One of the priorities that the sector has, for all markets, is digitalization, “aware that there are some aspects in which it can be improved, such as the reach of the internet, on which the Ministry of Communications is working intensively.”
Internally, he noted, progress has been made in digital communications, in signatures to receive or request services such as the automation of check-ins, the expansion of internet coverage in all areas of the facilities and the implementation of digital tourist visa.
Looking at the Chinese market, he commented that some preparations must be made in the hotels and aspects reinforced so that the client feels satisfied, processes that have already been carried out with other markets.
The Minister added that 68% of the hotel industry on the Island is managed by prestigious companies worldwide, which reinforces the commitment to Cuba despite the pressures to which they are subject.
