FITCuba 2025: Cuba's growing relationship with China and ongoing partnership with Canadian trade

Blog / FITCuba 2025: Cuba's growing relationship with China and ongoing partnership with Canadian trade

The 43rd edition of FITCuba

It’s that time of the year again when Cuba gathers hundreds of tour operators, airlines, media and travel representatives from all over the world to showcase and celebrate all things Cuba!

This year, the 43rd edition of FITCuba took place in the “Wonder City” of Havana and was dedicated to the partnership with China. During his speech, the Prime Minister of Cuba, Manuel Marrero Cruz, said, “Cuba is proud to have been the first country in the West to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China in 1960, marking this year the 65th anniversary of uninterrupted relations.”

fitcuba-2025-cuba-growing-relationship-with-china-ongoing-partnership-with-canadian-trade-8.jpg

Ribbon cutting ceremony at FITCuba 2025, Havana, Cuba. Left to right: Prime Minister of Cuba, Manuel Marrero Cruz and Rao Quan, Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China. Photo credit: Ministerio de Turismo de Cuba

New service between Beijing and Havana, which started in May 2024 by Air China, and a visa-free policy for Chinese passport holders has led to a significant growth in travel and exchanges between the two countries.

Manuel Marrero Cruz also said that the intensified blockade remains the main cause of the economic difficulties Cuba is going through. However, the government has developed a new program to re-boost the economy, which includes the slowdown of the inflation growth, intervention of the exchange market and more.

“The recovery of Cuban tourism requires a bold strategy that combines structural reforms, innovation, international cooperation and local empowerment,” says the Prime Minister.

fitcuba-2025-cuba-growing-relationship-with-china-ongoing-partnership-with-canadian-trade-9.jpg

Prime Minister of Cuba, Manuel Marrero Cruz at FITCuba 2025, Havana, Cuba

In order to enhance the performance of the tourism sector, the Cuban government will prioritize attracting increased foreign investment, implementing new initiatives to facilitate the leasing of tourist facilities, enhancing air connectivity, and expanding product offerings to position Cuba as a destination beyond just Sun & Beach tourism.

Cuba is also exploring sustainable methods to power the country and its hotels through investments in solar energy.

Not to steal a complete spotlight from Canadian travellers, the Minister of Tourism of Cuba, Juan Carlos García Granda, held an exclusive luncheon for Canadian trade in Royalton Havana to reinforce the island’s commitment to Canadian travellers.

fitcuba-2025-cuba-growing-relationship-with-china-ongoing-partnership-with-canadian-trade-10.jpg

Minister of Tourism of Cuba, Juan Carlos García Granda, Havana, Cuba

“Despite the difficulties and mistakes we’ve made in 2024, the Canadian market continues to grow and support Cuba. We are working around the clock to make improvements and satisfy the needs of Canadian travellers. We’ve already made some progress in the supply chain and reopened schools to train the hotel staff. These are just some examples of the work we’ve been doing to show our commitment to the travellers,” says Juan Carlos.

To further show the island’s dedication to Canada, the upcoming FITCuba 2026 will be dedicated to Canada in the sunny destination of Varadero! Preparations are already in progress to enhance the experience for Canadian visitors next year.

Keep Cuba on your radar!

“Our country stands out for its beautiful beaches, for the land of the best tobacco in the world, for its excellent coffee and exquisite rum; but it also has a magnificent offer of nature, rural and community tourism; recognized cultural heritage; the traditions; health, well-being and quality of life,” Juan Carlos García Granda.