CubaPLUS Magazine

Cuba's leisure industry now counts on four new resolutions set to positively impact the development of this key sector, informed the Legal Director of the Ministry of Tourism, Juan José Álvarez.

The new legal regulations, published Thursday in the Official Gazette, have a substantive impact on tourism activity directly linked to foreign investment, with the scope extending in some cases to non-state management entities, Álvarez specified.

The official explained that a Ministry of Finance resolution will be implemented, establishing tax incentives and benefits for ecotourism projects for the first time, aimed at encouraging foreign investment and developing sustainable, responsible tourism.

"This is a regulation with a tremendous impact, particularly linked to local development initiatives and a tourism market segment that currently holds significant weight in terms of foreign investment across the Caribbean, specifically tied to nature and sustainable development projects," he stressed.

Another regulation governs tourist transportation, allowing participation in this activity by 100% foreign-owned companies as well as partnerships between foreign companies and their Cuban counterparts.

This will also expand the operational capacity and involvement of transport providers in such a critical activity, undoubtedly driving a growing positive impact on the quality of the tourism product, he added.

Regarding travel agencies, another approved resolution pertains to their establishment by foreign legal entities and non-state management entities.

According to Álvarez, this resolution will reshape the service delivery structure of travel agencies, significantly impacting tourist dispatch, visitor arrivals, and ground handling services once tourists are in the country.

A fourth regulation will allow travel agencies greater flexibility in hiring tour guides, who will be required to undergo a formal training and qualification process.

Finally, he noted that foreign investment policies have been updated, which in the case of tourism also carries an impact linked to new real estate developments and designated zones for new investments.

(Taken from Prensa Latina)