Ottawa, October 5, 2018 – Cuban Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz has just wrapped up his working visit to Canada, which included the cities of Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. Minister Marrero reiterated that Cuba is a hospitable and safe travel destination which is ready to welcome Canadian vacationers on the upcoming high tourist season.
During his stay in Ottawa, Minister Marrero met with his Canadian counterpart Mrs. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie. During this meeting, the Cuban Minister explained the strategic role that tourism plays in the Cuban economy and the special attention conferred to Canada as Cuba´s major tourist source market. Minister Marrero was also received by Mr. Timothy Sargent, Deputy Minister of International Trade Diversification. They assessed the opportunities to strengthen the economic and trade relations between the two countries, particularly, in the tourism sector.
In Montreal, Minister Marrero met with Ms. Liza Frula, Director-General of the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) to discuss cooperation projects in the area of tourism staff training. In the meeting with Mr. David Shapiro, Air Canada Senior Vice President International Regulatory Affairs, Minister Marrero was updated on the airline´s work prospects; Air Canada already has 25 flights to Cuba, which is the carrier´s fourth world travel destination. Minister Marrero also met with Mr. Jean Eustache, President of Transat, to exchange on the projections and joint efforts in the promotion of Cuba as a travel destination.
During his stay in Toronto, Cuban minister of tourism met with high-level executives of two other major tour operators: Nino Montagnese and Eric Rodriguez, president of Air Canada Vacations and Sunwing Vice president, respectively, to discuss estimates of arrivals of Canadian tourists to Cuba. In addition, Minister Marrero had the opportunity to talk with Ms. Jennifer Henry, Senior Researcher Associate at the Canadian Tourism Research Institute of the Conference Board of Canada.
On the occasion of his visit, Minister Marrero offered, in Montreal and Toronto, a reception to tour operators, travel agencies, airlines and representatives of other important companies maintaining ties with Cuba.
In all his presentations and press interviews to specialized and general press, minister Marrero reassured that all tourist hubs in the island —with renovated and upgraded facilities— are ready to welcome Canadian tourists during the 2018-2019 winter season.
Canada is the largest source of visitors to Cuba, sending over a million Canadians to the Island every year.