Amid an avalanche of news and meetings, the 41st International Tourism Fair of Cuba (FITCuba 2023) presented its most significant document, the Portfolio of Business Opportunities for foreign investment.
Havana, Cuba.- That text attracts the attention of 5,000 professionals in the travel sector, more than 570 businessmen, and representatives of 51 airlines.
It is a message of possibilities to invest in Cuba in tourism and, in this way, facilitate the recovery of this economic segment of vital importance for the island and its confrontation with the difficulties.
Such a document points out that tourism is one of the most outstanding sectors of the Cuban economy and with the highest volume of foreign investment in operation in the country.
This is favored by the destination’s attributes that complement investments in tourism, such as hospitality, culture, safety, and cultural and historical legacy, the document stresses.
It also publishes significant data such as the existence of 10 World Heritage Sites, 14 National Parks, and 227 national monuments, all of which are attractive for foreign investment.
The text reflects important attractions for foreign investment such as a maritime port and air infrastructure for tourist operations consisting of 10 international airports, seven marinas of equal rank, and four cruise terminals.
To that end, they take advantage of prioritized areas, such as the south-central coast of Cienfuegos, Santa Lucía beach, in the central-eastern province of Camagüey; and the Covarrubias and Guardalavaca poles, in Las Tunas and Holguín, respectively.
However, it clarifies that projects located in the historic center of Havana, the northern and southern keys of the island, and in Trinidad, which are reserved for domestic firms, are excluded from possible foreign investments in the modality of joint ventures.
Among the priorities, according to the Ministry, are the improvement in quality of the offer, create new and better products, generalize the use of new information technologies, promote diving and nautical tourism, cultural tourism, events and incentives, health, circuits and nature (in addition to promoting real estate development).
There are 24 joint ventures for tourism on the island, international economic association contracts, 110 hotel administrations and commercialization, a one-service administration, and one common fund.
CUBA'S NATURAL TOURISM PATHS, WITH ECOTUR
Nature and adventure travels are one of the most debated topics at the 41st International Tourism Fair of Cuba (FITCuba 2023), led by the Ecotur company.
That is why, the presentations made by the local company represent a significant link for those attending the meeting, which will conclude on Friday at the colonial fortress San Carlos de La Cabaña, in Havana.
This event is called Turnat 2024, and it is held every two years in a different scenario in Cuba, the next one will be in the East.
It is the most important event for nature tourism in Cuba, to be held southeastern part of the country, in the provinces of Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo, from September 24 to 29, 2024.
The International Nature Tourism Meeting, TURNAT, promotes Cuba as a unique destination for that kind of travel, an international for tour operators, travel agents, promoters, and opinion leaders who know, love, promote and manage nature tourism.
According to Ecotur Commercial Director Longino Franquiz, this is a unique opportunity, when on September 23, 2024, participants will arrive at the eastern airports of Manzanillo, Holguin, Santiago de Cuba, and Baracoa, in addition to Havana.
The inauguration will be held on September 24, at the Marea del Portillo Hotel, in Granma province, with lectures, a commercial exhibition fair, and a peasant barbecue.
During those days, tours will be conducted in six groups, each with no more than 18 people, a guide, and a driver, in simultaneous sets. (PL)
