Cuban Tourism Minister Defines Challenges on the Road Ahead

Following his press conference at the opening of the International Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2013) in Varadero, Cuba’s Tourism minister Manuel Marrero told Brazilian journalists that Cuba has set out to update its economic model, and that of course entails new travel and tourism strategies that include the application of cutting-edge technology, promotion, advertising and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

Several press members from Brazil asked Mr. Marrero what plans Cuba has in store to buy the state-of-the-art technology the country requires for its development and which is off limits in many cases due to the U.S. economic embargo on Havana. The Cuban Minister said the island nation is developing technology of its own, such as communication systems.  

“We know there are some snags when it comes to Internet connection. However, we’re going the extra mile to install more WiFi systems in all hotels,” Mr. Marrero went on to explain.

As to the increasing trade ties with Brazil, the Cuban Minister said those relationships hinge on the common desire to know each other better, let alone longstanding historic ties the two nations have always shared.

“We believe the greatest help we could get is the exchange of information between the two countries, to know each other better and to encourage interest in our peoples,” Mr. Marrero told the press.