Cuba’s attractive tourism fair returns

FitCuba 2024 will run May 2 through 5 in Jardines del Rey

Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) authorities announced the presence of more than 500 foreigners and 80 journalists from all continents and markets, seeking to update their knowledge about this sector in Cuba (this number usually increases up to 1,000).

The upcoming 42nd edition of the International Tourism Fair, FITCuba 2024, represents another grain of sand to contribute to the recovery of the travel industry in Cuba.

This event, which will run May 2 through 5 in the Jardines del Rey archipelago, has already attracted the attention of tour operators and travel agents from across the Caribbean and the world, interested in witnessing the progress of the industry in the country and its links to the rest of the region and those nations set to participate.

The professional event will now be held at the Hotel Gran Marena Cayo Coco, and will showcase the management models, business opportunities and other possibilities that sector professionals can enjoy in Cuba.

Under the “Cuba es Única” (Cuba is Unique) promotional campaign, the country’s tourist potential is being showcased with a focus on source markets in Latin America, the Caribbean and Russia, without ruling out priority markets such as those of Europe.

Representatives of airlines, tour operators, travel agencies, hoteliers, carriers, suppliers and other experts will attend, along with a group of both Cuban and foreign journalists specialized in the subject.

At the beginning of the second half of the 20th century, Cuba laid the foundations for the establishment of tourism with a social character across the island.

However, as reported by MINTUR, 1959 marked the beginning of a boost to Cuban tourism, seeking to promote the island’s natural, cultural and historical attractions and leave behind the stigma that Cuba was a prime destination for vice and gambling.

The first international event related to tourism to be held in Cuba was the 9th Convention of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), which took place in Havana from October 17 to 24, 1959.

The Convention saw more than 2,000 agents from 82 countries, accompanied by their families, visit the Cuban capital. The figures were unprecedented compared to the eight previous editions of the event.

In 1963, the National and International Tourism Company (ETNI) was founded, a direct precursor to the Cubatur S.A. Travel Agency, responsible for handling the incipient tourism market that was beginning to view the island as an interesting destination.

However, it was not until 1980 that Cubatur organized the First Cubatur Travel Convention, held at the Habana Libre Hotel in the Cuban capital.

The event aroused international interest, attracting the participation of more than 300 delegates and representatives of 200 travel agencies from around the world.

Subsequent editions saw greater relevance and international acceptance. Since its launch, the event has been held every year and alternated venues between Havana and the Varadero beach resort.

What started out as the Cubatur Travel Convention has evolved to see several name changes throughout the years, from Travel Trade Show Cubatur to Tourism Convention, until finally being named the International Tourism Fair of Cuba (FITCuba), which is now preparing for its 42nd edition. MINTUR is the governing body for the annual event, which emerged as such in 1994, having also seen several name changes.

Source: Prensa Latina