Cuba Officials Working To Boost Confidence

Cuban tourism authorities are insisting that tourists can vacation in “peace and safety” on the island, charging that recent demonstrations in Havana were prompted by people outside the country.

“On Sunday, July 11, in certain parts of Cuba some disturbances and incidents took place. These were the result of an opportunistic plan designed from the outside, at a time when the country is working hard to overcome the impact of the pandemic, despite the unprecedented tightening of the economic blockade imposed by the U.S. government against the Cuban people,” the Ministry of Tourism said.

“The incidents were stimulated and accompanied by a fierce campaign that was articulated mainly through social networks, with the purpose of discrediting and distorting the Cuban reality with fake news and manipulated images.”

Authorities add that they’re making progress in protecting Cubans against COVID-19, which should boost tourist confidence.

“Cuba is fighting hard against the COVID-19 pandemic and, despite the recent outbreak, has achieved a case fatality rate of 0.65%, one of the lowest in the world.,” the ministry continues. “It already has its own vaccine, ABDALA, the first developed in Latin America, as well as four other vaccine candidates with high efficacy rates.  The first clinical trial has begun for the pediatric population with the vaccine candidate SOBERANA 02.

“At the present moment, more than 8 million doses have been administered, including tourism workers who have already been vaccinated in Havana and Varadero, and the second dose is being applied in Jardines del Rey.

“To continue guaranteeing the health and safety of visitors and workers, the protocols established by the country have been strengthened in all facilities and services of the tourism sector.”

Authorities add all “institutions continue to function normally, even under pandemic conditions. We ratify that all tourists, including Canadian citizens who are in Cuba, enjoy total security and safety, and enjoy their vacations on our beautiful beaches.

“Cuba will continue to be a tourist destination of peace, health, and safety.”