C U B A

Havana.  October 24, 2013

MORE than three million visitors from all over the world have enjoyed the Jardines del Rey tourist destination since it opened 20 years ago.
The enclave, formed by the Coco and Guillermo cays off the northern coast of Ciego de Avila province, reaches its 20th anniversary on November 12 with the reaffirmation of its position within the international market and a sustained growth in the number of tourists.
Sources from the Ministry of Tourism in the province stated that the majority of visitors come from Canada, the United Kingdom and Argentina, plus other European and Latin American Southern Cone nations.
Luis Báez, principal tourism specialist in the province, said that, with the anniversary in mind, the destination’s hotel stock of 5,500 rooms, particularly the Cayo Coco Colonial, the first to open, is being renovated. He emphasized the modernization of the kitchen in this facility, as well as the incorporation of new furniture in the Iberostar Daiquiri hotel, and essential changes in the Villa Cojímar, raising its category from three to four stars.
Actions are also underway to improve the standard of walkways and sunbathing areas, and extra-hotel options are being extended with new excursions, a commercial center and a party room associated with cultural events.
He explained that programs such as the one in La Güira, known as Guajarito soy, for performances of traditional typical dances and Cuban cuisine are also being redesigned.
Day and nighttime options include visits to the Media Luna cay, nautical trips, snorkeling in the coral reefs and the sale of items made by craft workers in the province.
Jardines del Rey is entering the winter high season with initiatives which will position it as an event-based destination, for example, the 4th International Fishing Tournament, and a meeting of tour operators.
The enclave opened its doors to international tourism in 1993 with the inauguration by Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro of what is now the Cayo Coco Colonial hotel, and its long-term plan covers the construction of up to 32,000 rooms. (AIN)