CubaPLUS Magazine

A busy evening with Spanish businessmen today marked the start of Cuba's presence at the International Tourism Fair (Fitur).

Meeting at the headquarters of the Cuban Embassy in this capital, the group of business personalities was interested in the current state of the industry without chimneys on the Caribbean island.

The Cuban Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García, stressed that once again this meeting is a starting point in the run-up to Fitur 2025, to be held at the IFEMA-Madrid fairgrounds, from January 22 to 26.

In the presence of representatives of hotel chains, tour operators and groups dedicated to the activity in the Caribbean nation, García acknowledged that last year was very hard for Cuba and the persistent impact of the United States economic blockade.

In response to a question from Prensa Latina, the minister praised Cuba's exclusion from the list of countries that allegedly collaborate with terrorism and other measures that could help the sector develop better.

"A list that we should never have been on, but five years have passed with numerous impacts. We hope that with the change of administration in the US, this spirit will be maintained and we can continue to develop" he said.

However, García stressed that the plans and projects for tourism in Cuba are not made based on what the restrictions of the blockade may or may not mean, and expressed optimism about achieving progress in 2025.

During the day, the Cubasol group made a detailed presentation of 11 projects on the Island that seek to increase and diversify recreational offerings for visitors, with great attractions for foreign investment.

In an audiovisual material, the holding detailed the plans for two Water Parks, one in Havana and the other in the Varadero resort, where it also plans the expansion of the Plaza América complex, on the edge of the beach.

Likewise, the Bahía Naranjo Park, in the eastern province of Holguín and close to Guardalavaca beach; remodeling and expansion of the Hemingway Marina in Havana; reconversion of the Ancón Nautical Base in Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to convert it into a Class C International Marina.

Five other projects are on the horizon, with emphasis on another Marina, golf centers, real estate and areas for multifaceted entertainment throughout the Cuban archipelago, including the Isle of Youth.

The Cuban ambassador to Spain, Marcelino Medina, and the Cuban Tourism Advisor for Spain and Portugal, Niurka Pérez, also took part in the meeting. Fitur, which this year has Brazil as its Guest Partner Country, will have broad participation from Latin America and the Caribbean. There will be 9,500 companies, more than 800 exhibitors and delegations from 156 nations.

(Taken from Prensa Latina)