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News / Despite recent challenges, Cuba continues to attract Canadian travellers with new routes, hotels and unbeatable prices
Cuba’s charm remains as attractive as ever
Cuba Tourist Board Team: Danny Gomez, Nieves Ricardo, Lessner Gomez, and Mibiala Cruz
Despite facing difficulties such as power outages and hurricane damage from Oscar and Rafael, Cuba’s charm remains as attractive as ever! Last Wednesday, the Cuba Tourism Board gathered 160 Travel Advisors, Tour Operators, Media, and Hotel Partners at Hotel X in Toronto to provide updates on operational status and future expectations for the upcoming winter season and beyond.
Operations Update
Living in the Caribbean means dealing with hurricanes, and Cuba has established efficient protocols to ensure the safety of all individuals in affected areas. All services were maintained, and airports remained operational, with the exception of those in the Western part of Cuba, which were temporarily closed as a precaution during Hurricane Rafael. The national electric system issue caused by the hurricane was promptly resolved, and currently, all tourist facilities have electricity connected to the National System.
Here are a few updates shared by hoteliers regarding their operations Iberostar Cuba, Melia Cuba, and Blue Diamond Resorts Cuba.
Consistently, Canada maintains its position as the top market for Cuba's tourism, with continual growth in numbers. The destination aims to exceed the tourism figures of 2024 by 2025 and to accomplish this goal, exciting developments are on the horizon!
Increased Connectivity
For this winter season, the destination will receive more than 4 thousand flights from 21 Canadian gateways. These flights will arrive at the most popular resort areas in Cuba: Varadero, Jardines del Rey, Santa Clara, Cienfuegos, Holguin, Manzanillo, and Cayo Largo.
NEW: Beginning in winter 2024/25, Sunwing will introduce a new flight route to link Canadians with the picturesque city of Camaguey, a designated World Heritage site and a hidden gem of Cuba. This flight will cater to the hotels in the Santa Lucia area.
Accommodations
The hotel industry keeps advancing its network of modern properties, including the most recent hotel openings across the country, such as:
In Cayo Cruz:
Sanctuary White Sands is a groundbreaking addition to the Blue Diamond’s all-inclusive, adults-only portfolio. This hotel is the first standalone Sanctuary Resort to emerge in the captivating destination of Cayo Cruz.
In Cayo Santa Maria:
Resonance Musique Cayo Santa Maria. This marks the debut of Resonance Hotels, the first of eight Resonance Hotels scheduled to open on December 1, 2024. The new Resonance hotels are located across Varadero, Cayo Santa María, Santa Lucia, and Marea del Portillo, each destination will feature two unique experiences: a Resonance Blu and a Resonance Musique hotel (Resonance Blu for those seeking tranquillity, and Resonance Musique for guests who crave vibrant energy). This new adults-only concept is an innovative product tailored for young travellers seeking unforgettable adventures.
In Varadero:
Gran Aston Varadero Hotel.
In Holguin:
Sierra Cristal Hotel, located next to the Grand Memories Holguin (Ramon de Antillas area) and Grand Muthu Ensenada, is a brand new five-star hotel scheduled to open in January 2025 with 482 rooms. The property is positioned on a very picturesque and pristine beach, just a few minutes from the beaches of Playa Pesquero and Guardalavaca.
In Havana:
There are 3 new additions:
Iberostar Selection La Habana is scheduled to open by the end of this year in the heart of modern Havana. This hotel will be the tallest building in Havana, with 42 floors. Pure sophistication, modern, slick, with lavish facilities.
Corona Hotel is also scheduled to be opened by the end of this year and is located in Old Havana next to the cruise terminal.
Also, Gran Muthu Habana is opening a second tower. Located in the Miramar area, the hotel is excellent for meetings and corporate travellers.
For Travel Agents
Cuba Tourist Board will continue to support Travel Advisors with more FAM trips to provide opportunities to see and explore more destinations in Cuba. It is the best way to learn about everything the island has to offer and help sell the destination. Additionally, the Cuba Travel Specialist program is currently active and serves as an excellent opportunity to further educate oneself about the destination.
Upcoming Events
Cuba celebrates many events and festivals all year round. Some of them are already getting very popular like the Havana Jazz Festival (January – February 2025), Santiago de Cuba Fire Festival (June – July 2025), the Havana Cigar Festival (February 2025), Cayo Santa Maria Music Festival and Destinos Gaviota (September 2025). Not less important is the Cuba International Tourism Fair (FITCUBA), which will be held next year in Havana (May 2025).
Tourism is one of Cuba’s top priorities. The Ministry of Tourism is dedicated to enhancing services for the upcoming season and providing an elevated experience for all tourists.
Lessner Gomez, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board, expressed sincere gratitude for the unwavering support and dedication shown by Canadian Agents and Media towards Cuba “You are not just partners, you are our family.”
Despite recent obstacles, Cuba has introduced a range of new offerings, improved connectivity to major tourist destinations on the island, and is fully prepared to welcome visitors with open arms.
gocuba.ca
