CubaPLUS Magazine

The number of vacationers traveling to Cuba from the Canadian market shows a recovery this summer compared to 2024 and 2023, noted Lessner Gómez, Tourism Counselor for Cuba in that North American country.

In statements to the digital publication Travel Trade Caribbean, from Toronto, Gómez also expressed his confidence that this same trend will be seen in the 2025-2026 winter season.

"This summer," the official continued, "we have daily frequencies from Toronto and Montreal to the main destinations in Cuba, such as Varadero, Cayo Coco, Santa Clara, Holguín, Cienfuegos, and Cayo Largo."

He also confirmed that there will be a recovery of flights for the upcoming winter season, as "for the first time, WestJet will operate from Toronto to Havana with two weekly frequencies. This should begin around December 18th, which will be an opportunity for those customers who want to directly experience the capital, who today have to access it through Varadero," he said.

This segment will benefit people with business in Cuba, or those who travel to Havana for short stays, but also "those customers who want to experience more of our culture, our people, our history in the capital," Gómez added.

"I also believe that many people will buy their tickets on these flights to enjoy the proximity to the best Habano in the world in Pinar del Río. It is a unique opportunity to experience all that beauty, all that glamour that our Havana has during the day, in the afternoon and at night and above all, to encounter more of our people, our population, which is one of the reasons why Cuba is a unique destination," he said.

Later he noted that, as reported in the national press, the Canadian market prefers the destination Guardalavaca, located north of the eastern province of Holguín. "It has a perfect combination that includes beautiful beaches, an attractive tourist experience, activities such as water sports and spa. There is very good accommodation, five-star, four-star, three-star. It also offers proximity to the natural, to the mountains, to that beautiful city of Holguín. It is a destination that has a very beautiful balance."

Regarding this preference, he argued that "a very important factor for many travelers is that they like to visit places where a correct environmental policy is appreciated. Guardalavaca has received many awards for this and this is recognized internationally. Both now in the summer and in the winter we have connections from Toronto and Montreal to this destination," he specified.

Canada has been the leading source of tourists to Cuba for more than 30 years, and according to the positive outlook of the country's authorities, it is expected to continue to be the main market. Contributing factors include the island's proximity to that North American nation, the climate, the beauty of its beaches, its landscapes, its culture, its traditions, and, something extremely important, its people: friendly, attentive, hospitable, cheerful, proud..., for this reason Cuba is Unique.