CubaPLUS Magazine

Cuba's Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, officially opened the Canadian pavilion on Tuesday at the 41st Havana International Fair, FIHAV 2025. During the ceremony, he reiterated that Canada remains the leading source market for tourists visiting the largest island in the Antilles.

Speaking at the event, García Granda announced that for the current 2025-2026 high season, hotel bookings from Canadian vacationers are showing a significant increase of 30% to 40%. He attributed this surge to the affection Canadians hold for the island, which, he noted, "has withstood disinformation campaigns."

He further cited, as an example, that prior to the pandemic, over one million Canadian tourists visited Cuba annually, with a peak figure of 1.3 million recorded in 2015. "These results should guide our objectives for 2026," he stated.

García Granda characterized the relationship between Cuba and Canada as "an example of the ties that can be forged between countries at different stages of economic development, contributing to the building of a better world." His remarks coincided with the recent 80th anniversary, on March 16th, of the establishment of diplomatic, consular, economic, commercial, and cultural relations between the two nations.

In terms of trade, Canada maintains its position as Cuba's fourth-largest trading partner, having seen a 0.5% growth last year. However, while imports from Canada increased by 51%, Cuban exports experienced a decline.

"This outcome alone underscores the efforts required from both sides to reach the levels of exchange seen in previous years," he pointed out.

Regarding the challenges the island faces and must overcome, he mentioned the "unprecedented intensification of the United States' blockade against Cuba," international conflicts, and the impact of Hurricane Melissa's recent passage through the eastern provinces, along with its consequences for the region.

"Eight decades of respect and friendship between our peoples represent an alliance that transcends commerce to be anchored in mutual trust," he concluded, wishing participants a pleasant stay in "Cuba Única" (Unique Cuba).

Speaking at the ceremony, Canada's Ambassador to Cuba, Her Excellency Ms. Marianick Tremblay, highlighted the bonds uniting the two peoples, a connection significantly strengthened by the millions of Canadians who have traveled to Cuba over the years.

Also present at the inauguration of the Canadian pavilion were diplomatic officials, government executives, and business representatives from both countries.