Canadian tourism market recovering in Cuba

By Daily Pérez Guillén

Outbound tourism to Cuba from the Canadian market is making a recovery this summer compared to 2024 and 2023, as Lessner Gómez, Cuban tourism counsellor to Canada told TTC from Toronto.

The representative of the Caribbean nation’s Ministry of Tourism is confident that, “this will also be the case for the 2025-2026 winter season.”

“This summer, we have daily flights from Toronto and Montreal to the main destinations in Cuba, such as Varadero, Cayo Coco, Santa Clara, Holguín, Cienfuegos and Cayo Largo,” he explained.

For the winter season, he confirmed the good news that has been circulating in recent days: “We will see a recovery in flights. For the first time, WestJet will operate from Toronto to Havana with two weekly flights. This should begin on December 18, which will be an opportunity for those clients who want to visit the capital directly, who currently have to access it through Varadero.”

This segment will benefit people doing business in Cuba, or those traveling to Havana for short stays, but also, “those clients who want to experience more of our culture, our people and our history in the capital. I also believe that many people will purchase their tickets on these flights to enjoy the proximity of the best cigars in the world in Pinar del Río. It’s a unique opportunity to experience all the beauty and all the glamour that Havana boasts, day, afternoon and night, and above all, to connect more with our people, which is one of the reasons why Cuba is a unique destination,” Gómez stressed.

GUARDALAVACA PREFERRED BY THE CANADIAN MARKET

The Canadian market’s preference for Guardalavaca, located in the northeast of the island of Cuba, has also been reported in the national press. “It has a perfect combination of beautiful beaches, an engaging tourist experience, and activities like water sports and a spa. There are very good accommodation: five-star, four-star and three-star. It also offers proximity to nature, the mountains and the beautiful city of Holguín. It’s a destination with a very beautiful balance.”

The repeat visit rate for the Canadian market is high and among the reasons the tourism counsellor highlighted the commitment to preserving the coastal ecosystem, “a very important factor for many travelers who like to visit places where sound environmental policies are evident. Guardalavaca has received many awards for this and is internationally recognized.”

“Both in the summer and winter, we have connections from Toronto and Montreal to this destination,” he explained.