Uruguay highlighted in Cuba the cultural and social nature of tourism, from the promotion of the nation's destinations and the government's willingness to contribute to the sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.

According to the Uruguayan ambassador to Havana, Alvaro Fernando Barba, this economic activity, transcendental for developing countries, is a very effective tool to preserve and disseminate the intangible heritage of the countries.

It is important to project and carry out tourism programs as platforms to protect cultures, which define and unite peoples, the diplomat said at an evening event his Embassy organized at the Iberostar Grand Packard hotel.

“That is why we are gathered here, because we believe in the possibilities of uniting nations through tourism, gastronomy, customs and practices that identify countries and integrate the cultural exchange produced in tourist destinations,” he further said.

Barba, on the other hand, outlined the opportunities in tourism in his country for the participation of Cuban companies, before representatives of travel agencies, tour operators and extra-hotel companies, as well as businessmen, journalists specialized in the subject and other guests.

He also urged to undertake projects aimed at increasing and diversifying relations in the sector between the two countries.

At the meeting, held in the context of World Tourism Day, an audiovisual presentation was made, through which Uruguay’s Minister of Tourism, Eduardo Sanguinetti, highlighted his country’s qualities as a destination manager.

He also highlighted the partnership between Uruguay, Cuba and the Iberostar Group, a Spanish multinational company with hotels in Cuban destinations since 1993.

World Tourism Day (September 27) was proclaimed by the United Nations in 1979, with the aim of underscoring the global economic importance of the sector and its capacity to promote cultural understanding and the conservation of biodiversity.