Minister predicts a quick recovery of tourism in Eastern Cuba

After the impact of Hurricane Melissa in the eastern region of Cuba, the country’s tourism authorities immediately activated their protection and recovery protocols. “When we say that Cuba is a safe destination, it includes protection and defense against natural phenomena of this magnitude,” said the Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda.

During his participation in the television program Mesa Redonda, García Granda emphasized that the priority was to protect the lives of tourists, citizens, and sector employees, followed by the preservation of material resources and hotel infrastructure.

Holguín: efficient evacuation and international cooperation

The province of Holguín, one of the country’s main tourist destinations, had a high concentration of foreign visitors at the time of the hurricane forecast. In the face of the threat, tourist activities were suspended and both tourists and residents were evacuated, including those staying in private homes. ‘We are also responsible for the tourists who are in private homes. They must be located and provided with safe shelter,’ explained the minister.

Thanks to coordination with tour operators and airlines, more than 1,800 Canadian tourists returned to their country, while others were relocated to hotel facilities in Ciego de Ávila.

Teams led by Deputy Minister Yamily Aldama and the Vice President of Servitur are in Holguín assessing damages and organizing the recovery phase.The damages recorded at tourist facilities are minor. The main issues are in false ceilings, lightweight structures, and outdoor rest areas.

García Granda assured that Holguín is in a condition to recover quickly.Although Holguín airport is already operational and several hotels are ready to receive visitors, authorities decided to postpone the first flight of the season from Moscow, scheduled for October 30, until transportation, communication, and energy services are fully restored.

On its official social media profile, the Gran Muthu Almirante Beach hotel, located in Guardalavaca, shows that it is ready to reopen its doors and continue offering the memorable experiences that distinguish it.

Santiago de Cuba: continuity of service and gradual recovery

In Santiago de Cuba, although tourist activities were suspended, the facilities continued providing essential services. Workers and officials who moved to the region to provide support were accommodated in local hotels. In coordination with the Territorial Defense Council, the appropriate time to resume services for clients linked to productive activities is being evaluated.

The Cubanacan Hotel Group reported that it is working on recovery and that the Imperial, Casa Granda, and Meliá Santiago hotels are already ready to receive their guests.

Assessment and Recovery for the High Season

Although some areas such as Santo Domingo, in the province of Granma, are still not accessible, authorities have already confirmed that Marea del Portillo did not suffer significant damage. Executives from Campismo Popular and the Islazul Hotel Group —two of the companies with the greatest presence in the region— are on the ground coordinating recovery efforts.

Minister García Granda expressed optimism about the prompt recovery, based on preliminary assessments. He also highlighted that an organized review of insured tourist properties is being carried out, following a structured methodology for the preparation of files.

Finally, the minister acknowledged the dedication of tourism staff who, despite personal impacts caused by the hurricane, remained at their posts ensuring safety and continuity of service.