Cuba’s 24th Tourism Convention Now Underway
Scores of representatives from 56 countries are attending Cuba’s International Tourism Convention that kicked off Monday in Varadero with the presentation of Jardines del Rey –one of the fastest-developing travel destinations on the island- as well as the promotion of culture as a tourist product and the British market.
Rebecca Jara, chief of promotional and advertisement policy for the nation’s Tourism Ministry, noted the event gives marketing managers and execs from all the participating countries an opportunity to take a firsthand look at the entire tourist diversity that such a culture-laden nation as Cuba has to offer.
According to official stats provided by the organizers, the number of attending countries is broken down in 17 European nations; 11 from Asia and Oceania; 14 from Central America and the Caribbean; 2 from North America; 9 from South America, and four from Africa.
Cuba’s premier travel marketplace is this time around showcasing the local travel destination of Jardines del Rey –a bunch of gorgeous keys off the central-eastern shoreline- stressing the role of culture within national tourism, and highlighting the British market, a segment that has marched down a steady growth path over the past five years.
Since earlier this year to date, the amount of traveling Britons to Cuba has climbed a whopping 52 percent, a figure that local authorities believe could peak 58.5 percent during the 27 weeks of the upcoming summertime season.
The island nation’s Tourism Ministry has planned a number of presentations for the Convention, especially those by Cuban companies and foreign travel agents, coupled with several cultural activities and performances.
To top it all off, convention planners are trumpeting a concert by world-class Cuban musician Chucho Valdez in Cayo Coco (Jardines del Rey) on May 6.
Mrs. Jara also explained the 2005 Tourism Convention will highlight Santiago de Cuba as the main travel destination, with special attention riveted on circuits, tours and excursions, and France being the guest country.
