Iberostar Cuba Hotels & Resorts has a message for Canadian travel advisors – and it’s straight from the hotel company’s own Business Development Director, and Business Development Managers, here in Canada.

Cuba is open for business and ready for winter sun-seekers, and that includes Iberostar Cuba properties across the island.

Iberostar Cuba Hotels & Resorts has 14 resorts in Varadero, Cayo Cruz, Cayo Ensenachos, Cayo Guillermo, Holguin and Trinidad, plus five more hotels in Havana.

Alexeis Torres Velázquez, Marketing and Communication Director for Iberostar Cuba Hotels & Resorts, also weighed in with an update after Cuba’s challenges in recent weeks.

Alexeis Torres Velazquez

Despite the incidents of recent days, marked by power outages and damage caused by hurricanes Oscar and Rafael in Eastern and Western Cuba, Iberostar Cuba Hotels and Resorts is pleased to announce that its hotels remain fully operational, says Velázquez.

The last quarter of 2024 “has been a period of harsh tests for Cuba, and in particular for its tourism sector, but it has also been an opportunity to overcome obstacles,” adds Velázquez.

“That is possible because all our hotels are equipped with back-up electric generators. These gensets provide stable electricity service (including for air conditioners), as well as water supply, hygiene and food safety according to international standards. We can also affirm that we do not lack any food, since the existence of an own supplier for Iberostar Cuba guarantees adequate stocks of all the necessary products. After the multiple challenges we have faced, we are stronger and better prepared to receive clients from all over the world,” he says.

Recommendations from Zaldívar, Pacheco & Gignac

For Iberostar Cuba’s Business Development Director in the Canadian market, Mariela Zaldívar, the geographical proximity of Cuba to Canada is a huge selling point. “For a country as large as Canada, where flying from Toronto to Vancouver is close to five hours, in just three hours you can arrive in Varadero, Holguin, Cayo Coco or Santa Clara airport, which serves Cayo Ensenachos, so you can be in one of the best rated beaches in the world,” says Zaldívar.

No less important is the deep bond established between Cubans and Canadians over the years, she adds. “Let’s not forget the people – big-hearted and friendly Cubans – who will make you feel right at home. I’m a Cuban myself, and I can tell you I feel the love of Canadians when I say I am a Cuban born. So, Cuba is a destination that cannot be missed in your travel list.”

From its unique culture and rich history to its beautiful beaches and lush landscapes, “Cuba offers an unparalleled travel experience that is both unique and unforgettable,” says Zaldívar.

Mariela Zaldivar

Meanwhile Iberostar Cuba’s BDMs in Canada, Angel Pacheco and Jason Gignac, say an Iberostar Cuba getaway offers the perfect mix of urban and beach experiences.

For Pacheco, visiting Havana and Varadero in a single trip is a perfect example. “It was a magnificent opportunity not only to visit historic Havana sites and having a tour of Old Havana, but also to experience the quality and world-class service of Iberostar Selection Parque Central. We were also able to combine this trip with an unforgettable time at Varadero beach as well,” says Pacheco.

For Gignac, the best combination was a resort stay at the Iberostar Selection Varadero with a few days at the city hotel Iberostar Selection Parque Central in Havana. “If you truly like the authentic Cuba experience, you must do the combination stay,” says Gignac.

Gignac suggests starting a Cuba vacation with two or three days in Havana. “This Cuban city has a million and one stories to tell. From the beautiful historical architecture to the educational walking of Old Havana, there is something for everyone. And you must enjoy a daiquiri or two from Hemingway’s favourite bar in Havana: the Floridita, which is very close to Iberostar Selection Parque Central. Then conclude your Cuban vacation with a rejuvenating stay at one of our stunning all-inclusive resorts.”

Clients should know that the 2024-2025 winter season will bring an important milestone: the opening of Iberostar Selection La Habana. The capital’s skyscraper, at 155 meters high, will be star number 20 in the Iberostar Cuba portfolio.

New Promotions & Travel Tips from the ‘Inspiration Cuba’ Blog

Iberostar Cuba started the winter season in fine fashion, launching a sale that started as ‘Black Friday’ and soon became ‘Black Month’, with significant discounts for bookings made November 8 – December 8, 2024 for travel through October 31, 2025.

Clients (and their travel advisors) can keep up with all things Iberostar Cuba using the company’s ‘Inspiration Cuba’ blog, featuring personal and relatable stories for would-be travellers.

Says the company: “In this new communication channel, which can be accessed through our website, articles about the beaches, culture, gastronomy, sustainable practices and destination tips can be found. Inspiration Cuba explores the rhythms and sensations that will make a stay on the big island of the Caribbean a memorable experience. We invite everyone to visit the blog, get inspired, write down tips and share them so that an increasing number of clients are convinced the best vacations ever are those booked with Iberostar Cuba.”

Travel tips include the great views from the sixth floor of the Iberostar Grand Packard, with the best sightlines of the Bay of Havana, the Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro and La Cabaña Fortress. “The terrace invites you to enjoy a cocktail, to feel the breeze coming from the sea, while waiting for the golden hour. The infinity pool, which blends with the blue of the capital’s harbour, reveals the beauty, the horizon at eye level and the charm of that beautiful area of the city,” says the company.

Terrace at Iberostar Grand Packard

‘Inspiration Cuba’ blog users might also find out more about Iberostar’s Coral hotels, all-inclusive resorts on the seafront. These smaller adults-only hotels offer butler service for a personalized experience. “We always say that our Coral clients book one hotel and enjoy two, since these guests have access to all the services and facilities of the Selection hotels, always nearby. We have Coral hotels in the Keys in the north of Cuba and in Holguin, our window to the East of the country.”

One such property, Iberostar Coral Ensenachos, is 90 minutes from Santa Clara airport and offers 46 villas, à la carte beach and tailored service. Says Iberostar: “The Coral experience is ideal for travellers seeking the peace of the blue sea and the proximity of attentive and personalized service.”

For more information about Iberostar Cuba Hotels & Resorts click here.

Villa accommodation at Iberostar Coral Ensenachos

Source: Travelweek