Festival of Colors: Cuba celebrates diversity and inclusion in tourism

Traveling to enjoy new experiences with the assurance that cultural diversity and inclusive tourism are championed in the chosen destination is one of the certainties offered by the “Fiesta de Colores” event, organized by Havanatur S.A., which will be held in Havana and Varadero from October 20 through 26.

The event promises to be a key meeting point for the LGBTQ+ community, thanks to a program of activities designed to “break down barriers and build bridges of respect and acceptance,” as Orisel Chacón Hernández, director of the Havana branch of the International Tour & Travel Group Havanatur S.A., told the press.

“We firmly believe that inclusion is not just an ideal, but a commitment,” he stated at the end of 2025, during the presentation of Fiesta de Colores, a Havanatur event supported by the Blue Diamond Resorts hotel chain and Be Proud Travel, a Mexican agency specializing in travel for the LGBT segment.

Havana will welcome participants with a program that includes, on the first day of their stay, a White Night at La Familia Habana Restaurant (Flores), which combines elegance and the magic of being so close to the Caribbean Sea with a delicious buffet dinner, open bar and live music.

The following day will include an exchange with specialists from CENESEX, the leading educational, research and service institution that spearheads the inclusive education process in Cuban society. The evening will offer the enjoyment of the legendary Cabaret Parisien, located in the iconic Hotel Nacional de Cuba, with performances that blend Indigenous, Hispanic, and African influences in a spectacular show.

On their way to Varadero, they will make a brief stop in the city of Matanzas, known as the Athens of Cuba, to learn about the Faílde project, and will continue on to the internationally renowned tourist resort.

On the 25th, the organizers propose a catamaran excursion to Cayo Blanco, with an open bar during the trip, time for snorkeling, and a seafood lunch. In the evening, a show featuring talent competitions awaits, presented by the El Divino project.

The planting of a tree, as a symbol of resilience and renewal, will be the special way in which participants bid farewell to the Fiesta de Colores on October 26. The closing event will feature performances by national and international DJs and live music.

More discerning and respectful travelers

Events like Fiesta de Colores are vital for the development of LGBTQ+ tourism, a segment that is continuously growing globally. Promoting visibility and respect for sexual diversity helps strengthen the image of destinations as safe and welcoming spaces.

Furthermore, it represents a strategic opportunity for countries and cities that wish to attract a discerning, informed audience committed to values of equality and respect.

Today, the global LGBT tourism market is worth approximately $320 billion annually and is forecast to continue growing steadily over the next decade, according to reports from recognized organizations in the tourism and diversity sector, such as the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), as well as market analyses published by specialized tourism consultancies.

This segment is estimated to travel more frequently and spend more on accommodation, dining, and cultural experiences. The United States, Spain, Germany, and Japan are among the most popular destinations globally.

In Latin America, Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia have solidified their position in this market thanks to their status as gay-friendly destinations for almost a decade. Meanwhile, in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, the Mexican Caribbean, Saint Barthélemy and the U.S. Virgin Islands also have extensive experience in meeting the demands and trends of this travel community, which Cuba observes with interest and to which it has much to offer.

Source: Sol de Cuba