Interest in Cuba as a tourist destination remains strong despite the difficult situation facing the island as a result of the intensification of the blockade imposed by the United States, Cuba's Deputy Minister of Tourism, Yamily Aldama, declared Wednesday in Bogotá.

The official made the remarks in an exclusive statement to Prensa Latina on the sidelines of the 45th Vitrina Turística de Anato, the largest leisure industry event held in Colombia.

Aldama said the Cuban delegation found it deeply encouraging to witness the sustained interest in visiting the archipelago during a meeting held two days prior in the Colombian capital with more than 200 travel agents.

In addition to reaffirming that Cuba remains open to the world and that its tourism offerings continue to thrive, she outlined how sun and beach packages, as well as cultural, nature, wellness, and health tourism products, continue to attract the attention of tour operators.

She noted that new products are currently being developed in the area of sports tourism, including the creation of training facilities at tourism installations, as a way of adding value to the visitor experience.

Aldama acknowledged that the tightening of the U.S. blockade has created limitations, but emphasized that those circumstances have not affected the quality of services provided on the island. She recognized that some airline operations have been consolidated following the withdrawal of certain carriers that have been unable to refuel in the region — including routes from Russia, one of the island's primary source markets.

Nevertheless, she stressed that Cuba remains open to the world, with hotels and facilities operating across virtually all destinations. "That is what we came here to reaffirm, and that is what we demonstrated a few days ago at our meeting with more than 200 Colombian tour operators. We made direct online connections with hotel directors — both Cuban and from foreign chains operating in the country — there were virtual walkthroughs of the properties, and all travel agents were able to see that the facilities remain fully operational," she stated.

She added that during the event, guests currently visiting the island were also interviewed in real time, which provided tour operators with significant reassurance, as they were able to witness firsthand the experiences of travelers on the ground.

The Vitrina Turística de Anato opened Wednesday bringing together approximately 56,000 industry professionals and more than 1,400 national and international exhibitors at the Corferias exhibition center in the Colombian capital. Beginning Thursday and running through February 27, the event will also host Travel Mart, the 19th edition of the large-scale business matchmaking fair.