The winter season looks to be positive for Cuban tourism, with results signifying a close to 5% growth in tourist arrivals to the island by the end of the year, stated José Manuel Bisbé York President of the International Group of Tour Operators and Travel Agencies Havanatur.

José Manuel Bisbé York, President of the International Group of Tour Operators and Travel Agencies Havanatur, stated that the winter period should be positive with results signifying a close to 5% growth in tourist arrivals to the island by the end of the year.

Bisbé York noted that important increases are expected in the number of tourists arriving from Germany, Poland, Panama, Mexico, the Czech Republic and Argentina, among other markets.

In addition, the President of Havanatur, presented the main commercial strategies planned for the island in order to stimulate tourism, through the diversification of offers – providing new activities and services, according to AIN.

New initiatives around historical-heritage routes; nature and health tourism, the cruise industry, diving and other nautical activities, fairs and specialized trips are also part of the development agenda, intended to improve Cuba’s positioning in the international market.

Another issue addressed by Bisbé York was increasing the quality of services, enhancing the Authentic Cuba promotional campaign and expanding the country’s reach via communication technologies, in addition to maintaining Cuba’s prevalence as a beach resort destination.

Cuba plans to increase its hotel capacities, with 85,000 rooms – the majority luxury – scheduled to be available on the island by 2020.

He emphasized that the plans are also focused on increasing hotel capacities, with 85,000 rooms – the majority luxury – scheduled to be available on the island by 2020.

Bisbé highlighted the need to expand communications and sales actions through the use of new information technologies, with an increased presence on social networks and other alternative sites.

In this regard, he stated that an application for Iphones which provides extensive information about the country will soon be available. The App is aimed at U.S. customers, whilst work continues in order to present it to other markets.

Important increases are expected in the number of tourists arriving from Germany, Poland, Panama, Mexico, the Czech Republic and Argentina.

Bisbé also stated that increasing flights to the island is a priority, through agreements with companies which operate the principal hubs (airports with extensive flight connections) in the world.