Expanding into Latin America is essential for the Cuban tourism industry to reach its goal of 3.5 million international visitors this year.
The Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR), in its recent annual report, indicated that the main barrier to achieving this goal is the lack of air connections with Latin American countries, since only Copa Airlines flies regularly from the southern cone, with a limited number of flights per week.
However, actions are already underway with tour operators and airlines to attract visitors from the subcontinent to our country.
New air operations and a charter that starts in July have been identified in Ecuador with the presence of three tour operators in that market.
The airline issue with Peru has also been managed, as the same situation is happening; and as recently announced Cubana de Aviación flights to Argentina will start on May 2, for which tourist packages are already on sale, as Cayo Coco is a preferred destination in that country’s segment.
Brazil and Mexico are the main objectives within Cuba's projections for the region as it was emphasized during the annual review meeting.
In the case of Mexico, it was reported that the MINTUR has achieved concrete approaches with new tour operators with which Cuba has not worked so far.
In addition, the airline Aero Mexico is evaluating the feasibility of increasing its operations to the island.
Juan Carlos García Granda, Minister of Tourism, emphasized, regarding this destination, that recovering it has become quite difficult, not only due to the lack of demand, but also because of the high prices of flights to Cuba.
With regard to Brazil, it was learned that a work plan is being organized, which includes days of presentations in several cities of the South American giant, which will be attended by the rum masters, and the tourist attractions of each of our territories will be made known.
There are also online travel agencies interested in working with Cuba and other tour operators that immediately responded to the call to participate in the International Tourism Fair to be held next May in Havana.
García Granda pointed out that the weak point with Brazil is the lack of a direct air connection. In this regard, he said that they are working on it, for which they have talked with airlines, while it is not ruled out that Cubana de Aviación could evaluate the possibility of including Brazil.
The Minister of Tourism pointed out that currently the conditions in relation to Brazil are favorable and competitive.
By the end of March 27, 720,000 visitors had been received in the country, which represents a 51% compliance in relation to the year 2019; and 70% in relation to the plan for the year.
