In the course of Cuba’s 24th International Tourism Convention, Caribbean News Digital talked to Barry Roberts on the dramatic increase of tourist inflow that has taken place in Costa Rica in recent years and the reasons that have made these outcomes possible, including the addition of new flights. Mr. Roberts makes an interesting analysis of Central America’s advantageous perspectives as a region and mentions an array of factors that –in his own view- have chipped in the most to a much higher development of regional tourism. Among them –Mr. Roberts goes on- the zone’s natural beauties, a heftier stance as a peaceful and safe region, let alone a much stronger Central American unity, something that’s largely owed to the Central American Tourism Agency (CATA). He also refers to the new strategies that must be advanced in order to bring more investment to the region, the role played by TACA PASS, and the area’s potentials as a multi-destination, among other issues.

Horacio Gonzalez Pardo, Tourism Secretary in the Mexican state of Jalisco, talked to Caribbean News Digital within the framework of the recently concluded Berlin ITB. In his remarks, Mr. Pardo refers to development plans currently underway to boost up tourism in his state and the priorities for the diversification of traditional markets by giving an edge to the European segment –the Spanish market above all- as well as to the Asian and South American markets. He also touched on professional training and the region’s attractive destinations.

Within the framework of the 2004 Cuba Tourism Convention, Caribbean News Digital talked to Dr. Teresita de las Cagigas Reig, Head of the Department of Life Quality & Tourism Medical Services at Cubanacan Tourism & Health Company, an institution that has plans this year to continue working on the scientific and technological upgrading of its centers, as well as to improve the training level and qualification of its personnel. Among the company’s many goals –she says- giving customers better opportunities to raise their life quality standards is one of their top priorities. In the light of recent debates about this controversial issue, her department has managed to turn spas into sanctuaries for good health, wellbeing and esthetics. In spas, people can drive off the strain of daily life, ask and get useful tips about food habits, weight loss control, beauty and esthetics, let alone enjoy the lures and good things that Cuba has to offer. Dr. Cagigas underscores the ultimate goal is to giv

Gerd Deininger is general manager of Aventoura, a German institution involved in the promotion of German tourism toward Cuba, Spain and a number of destinations in Latin America. Mr. Deininger talked to Caribbean News Digital within the framework of the 2004 Cuba Tourism Convention in Varadero.

Culture is taking the center stage in Cuba’s 2004 Tourism Convention now underway in Varadero. In an exclusive interview with Caribbean News Digital, Cuba’s Culture Vice Minister Ruben del Valle Alvarez talks about the ties between culture and tourism, the presence of Cuban culture on the island’s hotels, the role that travel agencies and tour operators should play in lobbying for a cultural tourism, plus other interesting topics.

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.