Q & A with Oscar Jacas, Transnico Canada’s Sales & Marketing Director

Belgium-based Cuba Specialist now in Canada.

Belgium-based Transnico International, which began operation in 1992 sending Europeans to Cuba, has now set up shop in Canada, offering Canadians the lights of vacations in such tourism mainstays as Havana and Varadero, as well as other parts of Cuba.

“Cuba is not only a sun-and-sand destination,” says Transnico Canada’s Sales & Marketing director, Oscar Jacas. “The island has a lot of history, culture and art attractions for those interested in those fields. In addition, Cuba is a paradise for specialized tourism. We are promoting educational tours, incentive tours, fly and drive, bike tours, theme trips and weddings.”

Transnico International says having a main office in Havana and representation through-out Cuba means it can easily accommodate those already in Cuba. The company says it has always focused on groups and specialized tourism, but will also offer Canadians sun and beach tourism. The company works closely with CUBATUR, which it labels the “biggest and most experienced incoming travel agency in Cuba”.

It also works with such hotels firms as Sol Meliá, Accor, Hoteles C, Gran Caribe, Cubanacan, NH Hoteles, Occidental, Hotetur, Habaguanex, Iberostar and Isla Azul.

Those wanting to combine sun and culture can opt for a package combining Havana and Varadero, with hotel choices in those destinations ranging from three to five stars.

“Our roundtrips around Cuba give our clients the opportunity to have a glance of the country and at the end some relaxed days in one of the most beautiful beach destinations in Cuba.” Jacas says.

Meanwhile, Jacas reports Cuba’s tourist trade did “quite well” in 2009, with the island seeing more Canadians, but a decrease in European visits. Cuba’s seeing more Canadians visit during the summer, Transnico notes.

Meanwhile, Transnico, which now have offices in different parts of northern Europe, has branched out to other Latin destinations, offering two deluxe trains in Brazil and also has set up an operation in Panama.