CubaPLUS Magazine

Canada continues to be the main source of tourists to the Cuban destination, which was confirmed in the recently concluded 2024, when 39% of total visitors that the island received were from that North American country.

This figure was revealed during a recent meeting between executives of the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) and the specialized press this week, where they also pointed out that other markets that stood out were China, Brazil, Peru, Turkey and Portugal.

According to the director of Communication of Mintur, Yadira Ramírez, the Commercial director, Gihana Galindo, the director of Operations and Quality, María del Pilar Macías and the director of Events, Yanet de Armas, for the recently started year, the efforts of the governing institution of the so-called leisure industry will focus on strengthening the sector to achieve its gradual recovery.

In this regard, they intend to strengthen both traditional and digital promotional campaigns, especially on social networks, in the aforementioned markets, as well as those of Russia and Latin America in general, among others.

During the meeting, held at the Hotel Nacional and attended by representatives of the national and foreign press accredited in Cuba, they pointed out in this regard the Cuba Única campaign based on the natural, cultural and traditional beauties of the largest of the Antilles and, especially, the characteristics of its people such as their kindness, cordiality, joy, being very sociable and friendly and, of course, for the security of the country.

They also mentioned the diversification that has recently been experienced by air connections from several Latin American countries to destinations such as Cienfuegos, in the south-central part of the territory, and to Manzanillo, in the eastern area, as well as other flights from Europe and China.

Later on, they referred to the work they carry out in the promotion of specialized tourism, including rural, nature, nautical, accessible and tourism events. As for nature and adventure, they pointed out that the renewal of all-terrain vehicles for Safari excursions has been achieved, which evidently improves the conditions for lovers of this specialty.

As for event tourism, MICE -acronym in English for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions- they reported that this year 256 are expected to take place in Cuba, confirming the country's interest in becoming a reference as a destination for this segment.

In this regard, they mentioned the International Tourism Fair FITCUBA 2025, considered the most important in the nation within the sector, which will be held in Havana from May 1 to 5, dedicated to promoting and strengthening Cuban tourism in China, with a particular focus on the country's traditions.

Finally, another of the facilities that should contribute to the promotion of tourism on the island is the relaxation of the requirements for entering the country with the electronic Visa, in force since last year.
To this must be added the adoption of temporary mobile telephone lines for 7 days as a facility for communication.

Essentially, everything discussed at the meeting is aimed at the efforts that government authorities intend to make to recover tourism, the sector that contributes the second largest amount for Cuba´s Gross Domestic Product and the third source of foreign currency income for the nation.