CubaPLUS Magazine

The Third UN Tourism International Seminar on Tourism Law was inaugurated this Wednesday by the Cuban Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda. He emphasized the importance of the gathering and invited participants to use it "not only for academic reflection but also as a forum for action with a noble mission: to contribute to the development of global tourism activity within an integrated, reliable, and updated legal and regulatory framework."

"We are confident that, by uniting wills and knowledge, it will be possible to transform the legal challenges that will be addressed into opportunities for tourism," he later added.

During his address, which welcomed participants to this significant event, García Granda referenced the current global context, where technological advancements have redefined the worldwide tourism experience.

"These are not just technical issues," he continued, "they are, above all, matters of adaptation, protection, and future vision. Faced with this reality, the law serves as a guiding instrument to ensure that this progress translates into fair, accessible, and sustainable tourism that provides real benefits to communities."

He also referred to the complex situation Cuba faces as a consequence of the severe blockade imposed on the country by the United States. Despite these limitations, he stressed, "we are moving forward in creating a legal framework that promotes ever higher quality tourism, prioritizes the protection of natural and cultural heritage, and views foreign investment—under strict respect for our sovereignty—as a catalyst for national development. Therefore, we find this seminar highly necessary and pertinent to our goals," he emphasized.

Finally, García Granda reiterated his country's unwavering commitment to international cooperation, multilateralism, and the guiding role of UN Tourism. "We subscribe to their support for comprehensive and coordinated global instruments and regulations, such as the International Code for the Protection of Tourists, which we adhered to in April last year, consistent with the tourism of peace, health, and security that we promote as a destination."

Speaking at the opening, Ms. Alicia Gómez Alapont, Director of Legal Affairs and International Standards at UN Tourism, highlighted the relevance of the seminar, noting that "tourism is an important economic driver, but it is also a tool for inclusion and a space for cultural exchange. It needs to be defended legally just as it is promoted economically."

"Tourism Law is no longer a peripheral branch; it is a central force to ensure that tourist destinations do not perpetuate inequalities or destroy what they seek to show the world, but rather contribute to strengthening our societies," she stated.

She later referred to the close relationship her organization shares with Cuba, which has been reinforced in recent years through various projects and activities.

"Undoubtedly, Cuba provided us, as it provides us today, with the perfect setting and extraordinary hospitality, but above all... with multilateralism and with the sustainability agenda of UN Tourism," she highlighted, extending her "deepest gratitude to Cuba, the Ministry of Tourism, and the University of Havana for their professionalism, their commitment, and, above all, their warmth and for making this event a reality."

In turn, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations system in the island, Francisco Pichón, expressed his satisfaction that Cuba is hosting the Seminar, confirming the country's commitment to working towards inclusive, sustainable, and resilient tourism.