Our woman in Havana

This year’s FIT Cuba trade event showcased a country on the cusp of a tourism boom, evidenced by new hotel openings and a big expansion in cruise traffic, says Karen Penlington

City and beach

Delegates at FIT Cuba, the Caribbean destination’s annual tourism showcase, were impressed by the country’s burgeoning hotel and resorts sector.

Spearheaded by the government-owned Gaviota, major new openings include the luxury 67-room Las Salina Plaza and Spa and the 660-room Sercotel Experience Cayo Santa Maria. Also new is the 252-room Angsana Cayo Santa Maria – a joint venture with Banyan Tree – whilst the 802-room Melia Paradisus Los Cayos will open in December.

Currently under development is Cayo Esquivel, an exclusive beach destination only accessible by a one-hour boat ride from the marina and Port of Isabela de Sagua.

Since 1999 Gaviota has overseen the transformation of large swathes of luxury coastal resorts in the northern and central Villa Clara province, opening and managing over 10,545 hotel rooms in 17 hotels, plus marinas and marine parks and more besides.

Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism is also promoting a spruced-up Sagua La Grande, an historic town on the Sagua La Grande River near the coast of the Villa Clara province.

Two renovated hotels – The Sagua Hotel (84 rooms) and the evocative Palacio Arenas (the former home of a Spanish Marquis featuring Moorish woodwork and stained glass windows with 11 rooms) – are now open.

Cayo Santa Maria, Las Brujas and Ensenachos Cays are linked to the mainland by a 48km causeway. The former is also accessible by air via the Abel Santa Maria domestic airport.

For summer 2018 Thomas Cook introduced direct weekly flights from Manchester to

Santa Clara, capital city of Villa Clara province.

Virgin Atlantic is currently the only commercial airline flying direct to Havana (twice a week) from the UK.

Havana happenings

Havana, the country’s capital, is also driving ahead with new developments. Hot on the heels of the launch last year of the five-star Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinksi, and Havana’s first luxury brand shopping mall, the stylish Iberostar Packard Grand Hotel is now open, adding 321 rooms and suites to the capital’s limited luxury offering. Located near the famous El Capitolio building and a short walk to the popular Malecon harbourfront, the hotel played host to stars like Marlon Brando after it opened in 1911 as ‘The Biscuit’.

Havana is also expanding its port facilities: by 2024 up to six cruise ships will be able to berth simultaneously. The cruise industry increased by over 150% in 2017 with 17 cruise companies, 25 ships and 7,000 itineraries incorporating Cuba. Over 700,000 passengers are anticipated to visit by the end of 2018.

Next year Havana will celebrate its 500th anniversary and a programme of festivals and events is being planned.

Over 200,000 UK visitors landed in Cuba in 2017, up by 30% on the 2015 figure. Cuba hopes to welcome a record five million international visitors in 2018.

FIT Cuba 2019 will be held in Havana.

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