Challenges for Cuba as a Travel Destination for 2015
As 2015 begins with a rapid increase in the amount of visitors to the island, Cuba demonstrated its development in the tourism industry at important fairs in Europe with challenges to the growing number of vacationers to the Caribbean destination.
The number of visitors to Cuba reached three million in 12 months by the end of 2014. December also brought along a new international scenario, which was the announcement of steps towards the reestablishment of diplomatic ties between Washington and Havana that brings about a number of important advantages for both sides.
Experts and non-specialists expect a growing number of Americans visiting Cuba despite Washington’s blockade still in place, with some measures having been eased by the Obama administration.
Questioned about the issue, Cuban tourism minister, Manuel Marrero said recently in Madrid during the FITUR International Tourism Fair that he does not foresee spectacular increases or an avalanche this year.
Taking into account the current pros and cons, Cuba expects a total of about 3,200,000 visitors by the end of the year, towards which aspirations they will work in several strategic directions.
Although the sun and beaches will still be the leading product, the country will promote other attractions like weddings, nature, water sports, culture and health; in addition to insisting in the diversification of markets and tourists to the territory.
A growth in air lift will become another reality that will contribute to an increase in the flow of the international arrivals, highlighting the return of the Spanish Iberia airlines that will kick off on June 1. Adding up all of the airlines that fly the Madrid-Havana route, the frequency will total 16 per week.
In tune with the new investment law, there are many interested in the opportunities. The FITCUBA 2015 International Tourism Fair to be held in the Jardines del Rey tourism complex north of the central province of Ciego de Avila next May will have a business stand dedicated to foreign investment.
There are currently over 60,000 rooms and, in order to create a needed complementary infrastructure, the Cuban destination should not lose sight of other important issues like the systematic preparation of workers and the increase in the quality and competitiveness of the tourism product, a group of normal challenges proper to the tourism industry for the immediate future.
Source: Caribbean News Now
