Cuba Offers More Than Sun and Sand

Martina Beeken is the head of the Meier’s Weltreisen Division for Central America, South America and the Caribbean, as well as other parts of the world. Right now, Mrs. Beeken is keeping a watchful eye on the 2007 “Welcome Cuba” Mega Fam that kicked off Sept. 12 in different Cuban destinations with the participation of some 80 travel agents and partnership representatives dealing with Meier’s -all of the hailing from Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

In the face of this event, Mrs. Beeken talked with Caribbean News Digital on the early going of this Mega Fam and the niceties that Cuba has to offer as a travel destination.

Why has Meier’s picked Cuba for this year’s Mega Fam?

We did something similar to this back in 2004 and it was a major hit. It was great. This is a country with strong plans in the offing as far as tourism is concerned, and on the other hand the market is strongly attracted to Cuba. I don’t think there’re too many travel agents who have visited Cuba. That’s why we have to introduce this destination to those agents for them to put it on the market.

What’s the real knowledge that people in Germany have about Cuba as a travel destination?

Well, there’s a tremendous interest. In addition, television plays a role by airing some information on Cuba. However, nothing compares to coming down here and living a real experience. I believe travel agencies can do many things to keep people hipped on this island nation.

As a travel destination, Cuba does not only deliver natural charms, but also its culture and traditions. What do you have to say about that?

Absolutely. Cuba pays close heed to culture and history. It’s not just sun and sand, you know. I’d say that as much as 60 percent of our tourists sign up for a package that lets them see Cuba and its history, like a grand tour of Havana, and after that they head for the sandy beaches to round up their stays.

Each and every Caribbean destination has features of its own. How do you assess Cuba’s potentials as a tourist product within this group of neighboring countries that also develops a mighty travel industry?

To me, Cuba sports a variety of offerings. Havana is a big city, but on the other hand Santiago de Cuba is a completely different burg. It has Varadero, a destination that has nothing to do with Holguin. A portion of this island offers sun and sand, while the other delivers green nature. There’s variety and there’re differences. Cuba is right now enhancing its offer, like the offshore keys that are packed with nautical offers and water sports like scuba diving. From my point of view, this is a product that sells like hotcakes.

What expectations are you harboring for this Mega Fam?S

Since we’re building on the experience we had back in 2004, this time around the impact is going to be much bigger. Moreover, this trip is giving travel agents a chance to share different experiences, like hotels and beaches, excursions, jeep safaris and plenty of sightseeing. I mean, we’ve pieced together a schedule that gives travel agents a broader and more insightful view of what Cuba is actually all about so that they’ll be able to sell this product that customers come looking for.

What are Meier’s’ most powerful partners in Cuba?

The most powerful partners are the hotel chains we deal with, like Sol Melia, SuperClubs, Gran Caribe, Cubanacan and the Gaviota agency.

The Excelencias Group is helping to put Cuba’s tourism experiences on the map. What does Meier’s have to say about the Excelencias Group’s effort in this sense?
We’re working hand in hand with the Excelencias Group. We’re familiar with their work and we have placed ads in their publications. At the same time, and as part of the services they offer, we receive their newsletters in German and Spanish, and we then resend those bulletins throughout our offices for the promotion of Cuba as a travel destination.