A good year for Cuban
tourism projected

Expectations for Cuba’s tourism industry in 2014 are promising, given initial figures, international projections and investments made to expand options, according to Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero.

During a meeting in the Spanish capital of Madrid, with tour operators, representatives of airlines and businesses involved in tourism, Marrero reported that this will be the best January in several years for the industry, with an increase of approximately 13% in international visits.

The minister, participating in the 34^th Madrid Tourism Fair (Fitur) attended by some 9,000 industry representatives from 165 countries, confirmed that beach resort vacations continue to be Cuba’s principal offering, but such trips are increasingly complemented with opportunities to discover the country’s culture and history.

Marrero indicated that the ministry is optimistic, saying that, despite the effects of the world economic crisis, work will continue during 2014 to elevate the quality of services provided, with investments in renovated hotels and new facilities.

The minister described new developments in Cuba’s tourism industry at a gathering attended by Taleb Rifai, secretary general of the World Tourism Organization and its Latin American representative, Carlos Vogeler, as well as Cuba’s ambassador in Spain, Eugenio Martínez.

Projections include Cuba’s developing non-state sector, with some 7,000 bed-and-breakfast accommodations and 2,000 restaurants incorporated among the offerings made by travel agencies, Marrero added.

He reported that the province of Camagüey has new hotels, readied for the celebration of the city’s 500^th anniversary. A number of Cuban cities which have reached this historic landmark, including Trinidad, Baracoa and Bayamo, are likewise expanding their options for visitors.

Investments have been made in the renovation of Havana’s historic Paseo del Prado parkway, the Packard and Regis hotels, the Manzana de Gómez commercial building and other 5-star accommodations, in the beach resorts of Varadero and on the country’s northern cays.

Joint ventures between Cuban and international companies include new hotels on Ancón Beach, near Trinidad, with a view toward taking advantage of expected worldwide growth in tourism, projected to increase by some 50 million travelers per year.

Marrero commented that the projected recovery of Spain’s economy should lead to an increased number of visitors from the country. Spanish tourists numbered some 73,000 in 2013. Before the European economic crisis, Spain was Cuba’s third most important market, more recently falling to the 10^th or 11^th spot among countries sending the most visitors to Cuba.