Editorial & Opinion

Five Questions with…

Carlos Zambrano Director, English Canada, Cuba Tourist Board

1 Why did Cuba decide to dedicate its annual tourism show – to be held in Old Havana in May – to Canada? Cuba decided to dedicate its annual tourism fair to Canada this year as a way to thank all our Canadian industry partners for their continued support, in view of the fact that Canada remains our main market [with over 600,000 visitors] in the past year… Also it’s a great opportunity to strengthen our business liaison and to work together to boost our market share and to develop other market niches such as incentive groups, weddings and ecotours.

2 Why have authorities decided upon the Old Havana location? Because it gives the attendees a chance to experience the Cuban culture; it also allows them to enjoy a broader array of activities, restaurants, night life, etc. and, at the same time, give us an opportunity to promote Havana, which is one of the greatest cities of the world.

3 Do you think Havana is under-appreciated by Canadians, who usually seek Cuba’s beaches. Yes, definitely, we would like to see more Canadians choosing cultural and historical programs and city-stays, although this is changing, because many Canadians go to Varadero and take a day trip into Havana. They fall in love with the city, and they want to go back and spend more time there There are more scheduled flights into the capital from Cubana Airlines and Air Canada. We anticipate that this type of tourism will grow immensely in the coming years.

4 Give us an example of places in Cuba that don’t see many tourists, but would be interesting for visitors. Santiago de Cuba: Santiago is renowned for the friendliness of its people, the wealth of its culture and history. Tourists will find moments to treasure all over this region, from the music, the carnivals, the local rum to the very impressive scenery of the Sierra Maestra Mountains.

5 What do you believe distinguishes Cuba from other Caribbean islands? Since the very beginning, European and African influences mixed with aboriginal and Asian ingredients gave a distinctiveness to Cuba from other Spanish colonies. Also, different historical events have shaped a unique and fascinating country. But unquestionably the friendliness of the Cuban people, their exceptional warmth, their strong sense of identity, their enthusiasm and creativity is what stands out the most.

Furthermore, Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean with more than 300 natural beaches, nine national parks, seven World Heritage sites and seven biosphere reserves.

Ask the agent

Are you happy with the new federal budget changes in respect to travel and tourism?

“Put me down as someone who likes them. The amount of money they’re putting into the infrastructure is big, and the border crossings. That’s something I think had to be taken care of.”

Bruce Chadwick, Chadwick Travel, Mississauga, Ont.

“I guess I like it. The pollution change was needed. I don’t know if it’ll help because people will always drive; you can’t make people do carpooling, but I don’t know how much it’s going to help trying to get everybody to change their lifestyle.”

Megan Rave, TravelCuts, Kelowna, BC

“They could have at least reduced some of the taxes at Toronto’s airport. If they had looked at some of the security fees and everything else, we get that back from clients; you give them a price and then when you put taxes and everything else on they want a breakdown of them. I don’t particularly think (the changes) will make a big impact on the industry.”

Carol Firlotte, Maritime Travel, Riverview, NB

“I don’t think all the changes are going to make a huge impact for us at all. I think we’re going to have a booming year as it is and personally I’m not sure this federal budget helped it or hindered it specifically. Just in general, travel and tourism is going to boom and be great.”

Terry Kaszas, Marlin Travel, Regina, Sask.