Tour Operators Engage with Cuban Minister of Tourism

Meeting Focuses on Revitalizing Cuban Tourism at FITUR
Cuban tour operators based in Spain held a meeting today with the Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, on the occasion of the Madrid International Tourism Fair (FITUR), which opens this Wednesday.

During the exchange with the head of the sector in Cuba, initiatives and concerns were presented, focused on giving new impetus to the destination for the current year and on expectations for the International Tourism Fair, which hosts 161 participating countries.

Minister Expresses Optimism for the Sector
García Granda expressed optimism after concluding 2025 with stabilized supplies for the hotel network on the largest island of the Antilles, alongside adopted measures that will streamline services and improve the quality of offerings.

Accompanied by Cuba's Ambassador to Spain, Marcelino Medida, and the Tourism Counselor for Spain and Portugal, Niurka Pérez Denis, the minister also received expressions of support for the country from the tour operators, including a posthumous tribute to the 32 combatants who fell in Venezuela.

Scope of FITUR and Cuba's Strategic Participation
FITUR will bring together, starting today, 10,000 companies and 967 exhibitors, with projected revenue of 487 million euros for the Spanish capital.

The 46th edition of one of the largest showcases for the "smokeless industry" will run until January 25, with Mexico as the Official Partner Country.

Pérez Denis commented to Prensa Latina on the special incentive of having, as a guest and promoter of the Cuban stand, five-time Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling champion and one of the all-time global sports stars, Mijaín López.

Also present will be the popular musician Isaac Delgado with his orchestra, and a delegation representing the main brands, tour operators, and airlines based in the Caribbean island.

Diversifying Cuba's Tourism Appeal
The specialist detailed that among the objectives of the largest of the Antilles at FITUR are identifying market opportunities, continuing to position Cuba as a destination for more than just sun and beach—highlighting culture, ecotourism, nautical activities, agrotourism, heritage cities, and health tourism.

Furthermore, it aims to strengthen ties with Spanish partners; promote the main events of the year on the Island; explore new business opportunities; and engage with Cubans residing in Spain linked to the sector, Pérez Denis pointed out to Prensa Latina.

Collaborative Regional Promotion and Stand Inauguration
The historical alliance, beyond competitiveness, will serve with Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and other Latin American countries in promoting multi-destination packages, the source detailed.

The Cuban stand will be inaugurated this Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Minister García Granda.

Brazil, another important protagonist at FITUR, promotes its destinations with parallel events in Madrid, especially focused on lesser-known attractions like Ceará, in the northeast of the South American giant, with its capital Fortaleza as the main stage.