Year after year, millions of Canadians flock to Cuba, and the numbers tell a compelling story even in our post-COVID landscape. What keeps travellers coming back? The combination is hard to beat: long-lasting relationship between Canada and Cuba, quick, accessible flights, continuously expanding accommodation choices, and the authentic allure of Cuban culture—from its fascinating history and lively traditions to its unforgettable cuisine and the hospitality of the Cuban people.

Cuba's position as a top Caribbean destination for Canadians is undeniable, making it an essential inventory for any travel agent. But with numerous tour operators competing for your business, how do you choose the right partner? Meet Hola Sun Holidays, one of Ontario's most trusted Cuba specialists. If this name isn't already on your radar, here's what you need to know.

Background

With 34 years of industry expertise, Hola Sun has built an impressive portfolio spanning 15 Cuban destinations and more than 230 hotels—from budget-friendly options to luxury properties that cater to every client preference. 

But don't just take our word for it. When we asked travel agents what makes Hola Sun their go-to choice for Cuban vacations, Maria Harrison from Expedia Cruises shared her perspective: 
“The staff at Hola Sun are always willing to help whenever clients have a problem. I really appreciate that Hola Sun uses Transat, which tends to be more punctual and reliable, with fewer issues compared to other airlines. A big bonus is that each person has a checked bag and carry-on item included in the fare.”

Maria Harrison, Cruise & Vacation Consultant at Expedia Cruises

As Cuban travel specialists, Hola Sun has built its operations around agent success—delivering competitive pricing, an extensive selection of accommodations and destinations, rewarding incentive programs, and responsive support for both agents and their clients.

Partnership with redtag.ca

Their track record speaks for itself: a partnership with redtag.ca that began over two decades ago and continues strengthening year after year. 

"Having worked with the Hola Sun team for over 25 years, I can say they live and breathe Cuba.

At redtag.ca, we value partnerships built on expertise, integrity, and a shared passion for delivering outstanding travel experiences. Hola Sun has been Canada’s leading Cuba specialist for more than 30 years, and their legacy of excellence speaks volumes. As someone who leads marketing and partnerships, I deeply value the quality of every experience we showcase and promote to our travellers, and Hola Sun has always delivered that same commitment.

I’ve had the pleasure of working personally with their incredible, knowledgeable, and dedicated team for over 25 years. Their deep understanding of Cuba and commitment to showcasing the destination beyond the beach, from authentic cultural encounters to unique local adventures, truly set them apart.

Our collaboration has continued to grow stronger over the years, driven by mutual trust, creativity, and a shared focus on customer satisfaction - a key pillar in our industry,” says Sam Youssef, Senior Vice President at TravelBrands.

Sam Youssef, Senior Vice President, TravelBrands in Vinales, Cuba

The strength of this partnership is reflected in the feedback it generates, as Sam elaborates:

“Deepening our strategic partnership with Hola Sun was a natural evolution of a relationship grounded in consistent results and shared values. Their customer-first mindset, operational excellence, and destination mastery make them an invaluable partner for our retail network.
Feedback from both agents and travellers has been overwhelmingly positive. Advisors praise Hola Sun’s professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail, while travellers consistently highlight the breadth of experiences available, from pristine beaches to vibrant cultural excursions.

Together, we’re proud to continue celebrating Cuba with the expertise of a true specialist who has been connecting Canadians to the island’s magic for more than three decades.”
Sam mentions.

Whether you're already working with Hola Sun or just getting started, here's everything you need to know to maximize your success.

What’s Included in the Hola Sun Package:

• Representative service and assistance at your Canadian airport and at your destination
• Round-trip flights
• Accommodation and meals as reserved
• Transfer upon arrival to your hotel and back to the airport for your departure
• Hotel service charge and taxes
• Applicable taxes of your Canadian gateway
• Cuban airport departure tax

When unexpected changes arise, Hola Sun maintains direct communication with both agents and travellers to ensure everyone stays informed. As Maria Harrison explains, "Hola Sun will provide timely updates regarding scheduled flight changes and reservation modifications to ensure that our clients are promptly informed of any adjustments."

2025/2026 Season

Each year, Hola Sun brings agents together for its official Product Launch—an exclusive opportunity to discover the latest season offerings and destination updates firsthand. 
Global Agents attended this year's event and compiled all the essential highlights so you stay informed on what's new.

Brochure

Among agents' favourite selling tools is the Hola Sun winter season brochure, your go-to resource for exclusive offers, featured hotel picks, and seasonal highlights. The 2025/26 edition is now live with a responsive design that adapts seamlessly to any device: https://holasunholidays.ca/brochures.

Air Carriers

The primary carrier for the 2025/26 season will be Air Transat; however, the tour operator will also offer flights to Cayo Coco through Air Canada, as well as the new direct route from Toronto (YYZ) to Havana (HAV) operated by WestJet starting January 8, 2026.

Hola Sun also offers 1 checked bag and 1 carry-on free of charge across all carriers (Air Transat, WestJet, and Air Canada) on all packages and air-only reservations!

Hola Sun Loyalty Program

Through Hola Sun’s agent platform, you can earn points that you can use towards your own trip to Cuba!

Group Perks

Hola Sun has prepared some fantastic group perks, which are available for bookings made by December 31, 2025. Rewards include:

• Group Incentive

For reservations between October 1 and December 31, 2025, Hola Sun will DOUBLE your loyalty points (for December 17, 2025 - May 31, 2026 departures)! These points can be used towards your personal vacation to Cuba!

• Group Giveaway

Don't miss the opportunity to WIN one of several free vacation packages for summer 2026! Departures from December 17, 2025, to May 31, 2026. For reservations between October 1 - December 31, 2025. 

• New Group Reward

A new reward is being offered to Travel Agents! Receive an extra 2% commission on group bookings made through Hola Sun's Groups Department! 

Departures from December 17, 2025, to May 31, 2026. For reservations between October 1 - December 31, 2025. 

Perks Available to All Group Customers:

• Competitive group rates
• Min 10 passengers and 5 rooms to qualify for group perks
• Receive one complimentary package for every 12th paid adult (subject to hotel restrictions)
• Exclusive group transfer included for groups of 16 or more passengers
• Travel souvenirs (conditions apply)
• A deposit of $150.00 per person is required at the time of booking (for travel more than 60 days in advance)

To make it easy to find a perfect resort for your group, look for the special group icon in Hola Sun brochure. Top picks include Sanctuary Grand Memories Holguin, Playa Pesquero, Grand Muthu Rainbow, Melia Internacional and more!

New Program

Hola Sun reveals a new free added value program: Collection Plus. This program is designed to add extra value for your client’s vacation, offering them more perks and exclusive benefits.
Here’s an overview of the added values by category:

Here’s an overview of the added values by category:

• Hotels for Everyone:
  • Early check-in and/or late check-out
  • Complimentary room upgrade
  • Beach towel delivered to your room
• Family Hotels:
  • Adjacent rooms
  • One child stays free
  • Special offer for single-parent families
  • Kids’ cooking classes
  • Farewell dinner for families of 8 or more
• Hotels for Couples:
  • Romantic dinner
  • Complimentary 15-minute massage

To easily find hotels in this program, simply look for an option plus icon in the brochure:

New Hotels in the Upcoming Season

• Iberostar Selection La Habana
• Gran Muthu Ensenada
• Sol Hicacos Varadero (this property is now under new management and has been completely modernized and revamped. It is set to open in November 2025)

Additional Travel Products & Services

VIP Packages

Hola Sun encourages you to book hotels’ VIP packages, which are designed to elevate your clients' Cuban experience. Here are the most popular upgrades agents are booking:

• Blue Diamond – Diamond Club Selection:
  • Personalized check-in, butler service, exclusive beach section, a la carte breakfast & lunch, and more!
• Iberostar – Coral Selection:
  • Exclusive reception, exclusive access to a private pool with aqua bar, golf cart service, and more!
• Melia – The Level Section:
  • Personalized check-in, bathrobe and bath products, welcome cocktail, a la carte reservations, and more!
• Gaviota - Luxury Section:
  • Personalized welcome, exclusive concierge and butler service, private dinner on the beach, exclusive areas, and more!

More details are available in the winter brochure.

Long Stays

For clients seeking extended stays in Cuba, Hola Sun offers flexible long-stay programs from 21 to 180 days—an excellent option for winter escapes or extended getaways. The following destinations and properties are particularly well-suited for extended vacations:

• Camaguey:
  • Resonance Blue
  • Brisas Santa Lucia
• Cienfuegos:
  • Rancho Luna
  • Club Amigo Ancon
  • Memories Trinidad Del Mar
• Santiago de Cuba:
  • Club Amigo Carisol Los Corales
  • Brisas Sierra Mar
• Havana:
  • Blau Arenal Habana Beach
  • Hotel Atlantico

Safety Ring Plan

The Hola Safety Ring Plan lets you cancel or modify your reservation up to 72 hours before departure for a future travel credit (valid 11 months) with a $55 non-refundable fee!

Emergency Health Insurance

Hola Sun offers affordable emergency health insurance (from 7 days to up to 6 months). Don’t forget that health insurance is mandatory for all travellers entering the country.

Excursions

One of the best ways to truly experience Cuba is through excursions. And Hola Sun is also here to help you with that. The company offers pre-paid excursions at the time of booking:

• Varadero:
  • Sea Safari Cayo Blanco
  • Safari Nature Tour
• Cayo Santa Maria:
  • Jeep Safari
  • Crucero del Sol
• Havana:
  • City Tour
  • And a city tour in a 60s car
• Cayo Coco / Cayo Guillermo:
  • Catamaran Cruise
  • Moron City Tour
• Holguin:
  • Island Paradise
  • Swim with Dolphins

Hola Sun Holidays stands out as a premier choice for travel agents and their clients seeking unforgettable Cuban vacations. With decades of expertise, a vast selection of accommodations, reliable flight options, and thoughtful perks like the new Collection Plus program and rewarding group incentives, Hola Sun truly goes the extra mile to ensure seamless and memorable travel experiences. 

Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or an extended stay, Hola Sun’s comprehensive services and dedicated support make it easier than ever to explore the vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and rich history that keep Canadians returning to Cuba year after year. 
Ready to elevate your clients’ next trip? Hola Sun Holidays is here to help every step of the way!

holasunholidays.ca

By Kateryna Ivchenko