CND: The Cigar Festival has already become a tradition. What’s the reason behind this? A: The Cigar Festival is an event that has rightfully turned out to be a tradition for cigar aficionados all over the world. We’re now holding the fifth edition (Feb. 24 to 28) and this time around we’re marking the 510th anniversary of cigar’s arrival to the Old World and the fifth birthday of the Trinidad brand. Some 60 countries are attending this major event.

CND: SuperClubs is looking more for the European market now because before Sept. 11 everyone was more towards the Americans, but now what are you doing? A: All markets have been important to us. It has been more based on the destination, for example in Brazil our clientele base is made up substantially of Brazilians and Argentineans more so than any other market. In Cuba its primarily Canada and Europe. In Jamaica and Bahamas it’s primarily an American market. In the Dominican Republic we expect it to be more balanced between Canadians, Americans and Europeans. So, Europe has always been extremely important but its importance is based on the market share that Europe has in a particular destination that we operate in.

Aware of a high quality product and teeming with optimism, the Sandals Royal Hicacos Resorts & Spa –the only one of its kind in Cuba- opened recently in Varadero. Caribbean News Digital interviewed the hotel’s general manager Ignacio Perez Roman.

SuperClubs branches out its clientele and eyes Europe as an “extremely important market” in the pursuit of its goals, Mr. Joe Issa admitted in this exclusive interview with Caribbean News Digital:

The Dominican Republic is betting on strengthening its traditional markets in 2003 with a broadened offer of better quality, to show that it’s more than just a sun and beach destination and that it guarantees the visitors safety and investments on tourism. Mrs. Ortiz de Subervi details the plans in the following interview with Caribbean News Digital:

Iberia Cargo, alongside Cuban company Aerovaradero, pieced together the Logistic Air Cargo Enterprise (ELCA, S.A.) that provides an exclusive launching pad for cargo freighting between Latin America and Europe. This linkage benefits from Cuba’s enviable geographical location, Mr. Antonio Medina del Rio, Iberia Cargo’s marketing manager, told Caribbean News Digital in an interview.