Published on 2018-11-06 by
Norlan Echevarria
The high or winter season of tourism in Cuba began last Thursday and will last until April, with an interest in reinforcing the remarkable growing spiral in the travel industry. Cuban tourism has broad goals in the present and with promising plans for the immediate future based on the island's potential.
The Cuban Tourism Minister, Manuel Marrero, considers that the country is ready for the new winter or high season of the travel industry. Timely, Marrero noted that despite damages caused by natural phenomena at the end of last year and the hardening of the economic and commercial impediments by United States, the island received more than three million 500 thousand visitors so far in 2018. Some markets, such as Mexico, showed dynamism with a rise of 22% and so far this year 130 thousand 258 Mexican tourists, which could end this year above 155 thousand.
However, the main markets are still Canada (first place), followed by the United States - despite the obstacles mentioned - and several European nations. The country's security, the variety of proposals and the kindness of Cubans are among the most relevant aspects to attract the eyes of many travelers from all parts of the world that may increase the number of visitors this winter season. Sun and beach, in first place, and a wide range of options that includes nature, history, culture, health and quality of life, meetings, congresses and incentive trips, nautical and above all sightseeing tours, complete a well-developed portfolio for Cuban tourism. Cuba accumulates 69 thousand 286 hotel rooms, with 69% of four and five stars, and must conclude this year with five thousand new hotel rooms, according to estimates.
There are 21 hotel management from recognized foreign companies, which means 45 thousand 333 rooms, and 95 administration contracts. There are 27 joint ventures operating in the country that cover five thousand rooms. Cuba has an assessed potential of 400 thousand rooms in hotels, not counting private accommodations, to which the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur) provides support.
