Expert notes: Beijing—Havana route is “China’s strongest economic support to Cuba” By Daily Pérez Guillén The launch of the Beijing-Madrid-Havana route from May 17 contributes to strengthening Cuba’s commercial ties and represents “China’s strongest economic support to Cuba,” Song Wei, professor with the School of International Relations and Diplomacy at Beijing Foreign Studies University, told the Asian media outlet Global Times. The professor also stressed that the announcement of the implementation of visa-free entry for Chinese citizens with ordinary passports to Cuba, “is of great significance in promoting South-South cooperation and advancing cooperation between China and Cuba.” She added that as a “small island” country where “the tourism industry is a crucial economic pillar. Strengthening flight connections between China and Cuba can allow Chinese consumers to reach Cuba more conveniently, thereby greatly promoting its economic development.” Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Cuba, Ma Hui, wrote on his X profile that, “The new [...]

Swandor could manage another hotel in Cuba By Daily Pérez Guillén “Swandor Hotels & Resorts not only offers you a pleasant and comfortable stay with its facilities in different regions, but also makes you feel at home even if you are far away,” announces the official website of this Turkish chain, which also seeks wellbeing for those guests who choose its facilities in Cuba. With ten hotels located in Greece, Vietnam and Thailand, the company established itself in the Caribbean archipelago in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and started managing its first Cuban hotel in November 2022 in Varadero, as explained by Karaağaç Mehmet Cengiz, director of the Hotel PGS Varadero and area director for Cuba. Karaağaç Mehmet Cengiz, director of the Hotel PGS Varadero and area director for Cuba In June of the following year, Swandor began operating another hotel, the Woovo Playa Hermosa, located in Cayo [...]

Gaviota to hold first edition of Destinos Cuba in Portugal By Daily Pérez Guillén The Gaviota Tourism Group plans to hold the first edition of Destinos Cuba from May 20 to 23, in Algarve, Portugal, together with hotel chains MGM Muthu Hotels and Vila Galé. The initiative responds to the objective of “putting an emphasis on working with the European market,” as explained by Carlos M. Latuff Carmenate, president of Gaviota. The announcement was made at FITCUBA 2024, the same night the tourism group presented its new campaign — Siéntelo — which invites visitors to experience Cuba through all their senses. The Gaviota president also informed that the Bolsa Destinos Gaviota expo, which is held every year in Cuba, would be held in Holguín, from October 16 to 20, 2024. Carlos M. Latuff Carmenate, Gaviota president Speaking during an evening event on the beach of the Hotel Cayo Guillermo [...]

Cuba opens visa-free doors to Chinese tourists as direct flights resume Cuba is allowing Chinese tourists to visit without a visa. Photo: Shutterstock Chinese passport holders will be able to enter Cuba without a visa this month as direct flights resume between the two countries. Cuban Tourism Minister Juan Carlos Garcia announced the visa-free policy at the Cuban International Tourism Fair held in the seaside resort of Cayo Coco island on the weekend, saying China would also be the event’s “guest of honour” next year. State news agency Xinhua quoted Garcia as saying the policy would come into effect this month and direct flights between China and Cuba would resume on May 17, after being suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic. On Sunday, searches for hotels in Cuba and flights to the country on online travel agency Ctrip soared after the announcement, according to Shanghai-based news outlet The Paper. Ctrip [...]

UN Tourism: Putting communities at the Centre of Tourism Development in the Americas UN Tourism has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation to enhance the evolution of the sector with a seminar on community-based tourism in Cuba. The Seminar “Enhancing Tourism Development through Innovation in Community-Based Tourism” was held within the framework of the 69th meeting of the UN Tourism Regional Commission for the Americas. The meeting served as a prelude to the institutional event and brought together leading players in the sector to address challenges, strategies and good practices in this tourism segment. The aim of the Seminar was to promote the development of community-based tourism through the empowerment of and investment in local populations, as well as the promotion of innovation in their products. It is necessary to continue exploring models that promote the autonomy and participation of communities in the tourism management of their territories. Creativity, collaboration and commitment [...]