Cuba Continues To Invest In Its Tourism Product

with Adrienne Lem

On route to FITCuba, the country’s 33rd annual tourism fair, I sat beside a lady on the flight who was a veteran visitor to the destination. Having travelled there almost 30 times before, she had seen 1st hand how tourism in Cuba has changed over the years. “You would sometimes have to bring your own toilet paper to a public restroom,” she said.

Fortunately, this was no longer the case as I tested her theory upon landing at the Varadero Airport. Their facilities were well-maintained with plenty of t.p. in supply. I was thankful to see that Cuba had since invested in such simple “amenities,” but it was even more interesting to learn of the improvements the country is making in all aspects of its tourism industry.

“We are in a process of improvement and development with the aim of diversifying our tourism offerings to be in tune with current times and customer demands,” said Cuba’s Minister of Tourism, Manuel Marrero. In his presentation, Minister Marrero told conference attendees that 4 new properties will open their doors this year: Piedra Movida in Cayo Santa María; Memories Flamenco in Cayo Coco; the boutique hotel Pansea in Trinidad and Melia Marina Varadero.

FITCuba attendees got a sneak peak at the Melia Marina Varadero which is set to welcome guests this July. The resort has been referred to as one of the most ambitious projects Cuba has seen in years, boasting 522 rooms, of which 423 have sea/marina views. It is the only marina in Cuba that provides both beach access and accommodations. While there is an adults only section at the Melia Marina Varadero, families are just as welcome and may find the condo-style units more suitable for their stay.

According to Minister Marrero, expansions are also planned for the Hotel María la Gorda, the Blau Costa Verde and the Paradisus Princesa del Mar. During a site visit of the Paradisus Princesa del Mar, guests were introduced to the brand new Royal Service section that includes a private pool area, butler service and swim-up rooms.

Making a great 1st impression is always important. Where and when does a tourist get their 1st impression of a destination? At the airport of course, the moment they step off an aircraft. Minister Marrero said that the airports in Havana, Cayo Coco, Santiago de Cuba, Santa Clara and Camaguey will also be undergoing modernization plans.

“Cuba is endowed with many natural beauties, a broad cultural and historical legacy and is one of the safest countries in the world. Above all, we are hospitable, cultured people and welcome all visitors and make them feel at home,” said Minister Marrero. “The Ministry of Tourism is implementing new ways to improve the quality of our tourism offerings – creating new and better products, and taking advantage of all the attributes and strengths our country has to offer.”