Karen Puebla & Nieves Ricardo of the Cuba Tourist Board
Brian Joseph of Air Canada Vacations
Jason Stemble of Thomas Cook Canada
Winston Downes of The Professional Travel Place, Tahira Shahab of AIR MILES and Sonia Kotzen of Travel Only enjoy dinner and the show
Dancing to the Cuban beat
The days are getting shorter and the chill is setting in. In other words, ‘tis the season to think of sunny destinations! Perfect timing for the Cuba Tourist Board to hold its cross country Autentica Cuba Road Show, the last leg of which took place recently at Toronto’s elegant Park Hyatt Hotel.
Travel agents were invited to meet with exhibitors, including Air Canada Vacations, Signature Vacations, Sunwing, Thomas Cook Canada, WestJet Vacations, Barcelo Hotels and Blau Hotels among others, for information on the latest deals and rates on offer for Cuba.
As if the obvious allure of sun and sand wasn’t enough (the island boasts 300 natural beaches and a mild subtropical climate) Cuba has so much more to offer. From coast to coast, it is a safe environment that is steeped in history and culture. Its colonial style architecture is unique to the Caribbean and the people are friendly and welcoming, which is a major reason why visitors keep going back. "What I've learned during this week with Cuba," said ACV’s Brian Joseph, "is that Cuba really is so much more than a beach. There are so many things to do and different ways for agents to package Cuba for the client."
During a full course traditional meal, guests were treated to live music and dance performances. "Rumba, Samba, Cha-cha-cha all come from Cuba", said Cuba's Nieves Ricardo during a post meal presentation. "People who love music should go to Santiago de Cuba, which is situated on the south-eastern area of the island.” Further along the coast from Santiago de Cuba is Cienfuegos, which has been designated a World Heritage site for its examples of early Spanish urban planning. On the north side of the island are Cayo Santa Maria and Cayo Ensenachos which are 2 of Cuba's newest and fastest growing destinations. "These new destinations offer great resorts and water sports and are great for weddings and honeymooners,” according to Nieves.
History may stand still in Cuba, but the island is moving forward with the opening of new hotels, restaurants and bars as well as more banking locations and opportunities to shop.
With direct flights from every major city in Canada, competitive prices, good value for money and something for everyone to see and do, there leaves little excuse (if any) not to go to Cuba. With winter knocking at the door, this is what Cuba is hoping for.
