Eloy Govea, Director, Cuba Tourist Board - Canada
Prize winner hugs Nieves Ricardo, Marketing Assistant, Cuba Tourist Board
On a dreary October eve in Toronto, the warm Cuban hospitality was in full swing - right along with the band. The annual gathering to thank the industry was an opportunity to meet Cuba’s new director for Canada, Eloy Govea.
Senor Govea embodies the reason we all fall in love with the country. Warm and affable, he reminds the crowd that one of the main reasons Cuba continues to see growth in travel from Canadians (+4.5% year over year) is the authenticity of the Cuban experience. And of course, the weather!
“I want to thank you for your tremendous support. And I want you to know that over the years I have learned how different each market can be. I come to learn from you about how to engage the Canadian market.”
Ever the hostess with the mostest, Nieves Ricardo clucked at her gathered charges, ensuring we were all well fed and watered and prizes were fairly awarded.
At the mike, Nieves’ commanding voice ensured we were all aware Cuba’s 1st colonial cities are turning 500 years old in 2015. “These are living, working, cities. Not museums, like in other parts of the world. Cuban cities are alive with community – not just stone and plaster! There is no better time to visit.”
There is no doubt Cuba tourism is on the move. It’s moving inland, to colonial cities, rural spaces and places of natural beauty. It’s also moving onto the water, with new cruise ports and new marinas catering to sailors and yachters.
Current plans for tourism infrastructure development include 7 new international marinas, 3 cruise terminals, 10 international airports and 338 hotels containing more than 60,000 rooms, - 2/3 of them in the 4 and 5 star categories.
In the next 2 years alone, 10,000 new 4 or 5 star hotel rooms will open in Havana, Varadero, Cayo Santa Maria, Cayo Coco and Holguin. Around 13,000 rooms will add to the supply in Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santa Lucia, Cobarrubias and Guardalavaca. This winter, new upscale offerings include the 1,176 room Melia Jardines del Rey and the 1,020 room Valentin Perla Blanca.
We hear you Nieves. We’re on it!
