Cuba ready to provide Canadians with exceptional experiences this winter

About 150 travel advisors and tour operators were welcomed at The Illuminarium Toronto this week by Cuba’s Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos Garcia Granda and its newly appointed Director of the Cuba Tourist Office in Canada, Gihana Galindo for an update on the kind of experience that Canadians headed to Cuba this winter can expect.

During the evening, which featured both a trade show and presentation, Cuba’s Minister of Tourism made it clear that Canada was Cuba’s most important market and that his visit to Toronto provided him with an opportunity to meet with the destination’s key Canadian partners and provide them with an update on a number of topics.

And while he said that Cuba has had some issues that impacted on its tourism industry recently, those issues are now in the past, and: “I believe the hard work of all the people in Cuba’s hotel and tourism industry has made a difference.”

Minister Granda also told Travel Press Today (through a translator), that Cuba took extraordinary steps to protect its people and visitors during Hurricane Melissa and the organization, discipline and the effectiveness those efforts protected lives (there were no fatalities) and has allowed Cuba to recovery rapidly.

Said the Minister: “We have worked really hard [so that we won’t] lose one day of the high season.”

Advisors also had a chance to preview a comprehensive suite of new hotel options, amenities and partnerships during the event, learning as well that there has already been a “strong resurgence” from the Canadian market.

Minister Granda provided updates that underscored Cuba’s commitment to enhancing the visitor experience for Canadians, observing: “We are dedicated to ensuring that every visitor experience is exceptional, and that we continue to provide the quality service and unique offerings that keep our Canadian friends returning year after year.”

While the Cuba Tourist Board’s Gihana Galindo said: “Cuba has long been, and will continue to be, one of the favourite destinations for Canadian travellers – a place where many feel as if they were in their second home.”

And she continued: “Winter sales are already up 25% compared to last year, a result that highlights the dedication of our travel partners and travel advisors’ community.”

Of particular note is that the 44th Edition of the International Tourism Fair of Cuba, FITCuba 2026 – which will be held in Varadero from May 6 to 10, 2026 – will be dedicated to Canada as the guest of honour.

Some key announcements for the Canadian market include:

To begin with, WestJet is launching new direct air connections from Toronto:

• Havana: Direct flights beginning Dec. 18 (Thurs. and Sat.)
• Cienfuegos: Direct flights via WestJet/Sunwing Vacations from Dec. 10
• Cayo Largo del Sur: Direct flights via WestJet/Sunwing Vacations from Jan. 20

Cuba is welcoming a number of new, international hotel management partners, including:

• Domina Hotels (Italy): Managing properties including Domina Marina Varadero and future openings in Havana.
• Vila Gale Hotels (Portugal): Expanding management with three new properties – Vila Gale Cayo Santa Maria; Vila Gale Express Park View; and Vila Gale Tropical Varadero.
• New Brands – Gaviota Hotels introduces ‘Playa Luxury’ (luxury focused sections) and ‘Playa Kids (family-focused spaces) available at several major resorts.

The destination has also unveiled details of enhanced amenities and a new focus on several niche tourism opportunities:

• Active Lifestyle: New facilities have been added for popular sports, including dedicated pickleball courts available in all major destinations (e.g. Varadero, Holguin) and a specialized kitesurfing club opening at the Iberostar Daiquiri Hotel in Cayo Guillermo.
• Long-Stay Program: Added values for stays of 15 nights or more at select villas in Varadero and Havana, including personalized check-in/check-out and discounts on services.
• Romantic Travel: Redesigned symbolic wedding packages with exclusive benefits to attract the growing romantic segment.

Officials also that major renovations have been completed across facilities for the winter season, including the Sol Palmeras, Melia Varadero and Iberostar Origin Tainos. The destination of Cayo Santa Maria now offers the ‘Santa Maria All in’ concept, providing all-inclusive access to the local plaza (Gallery, Las Dunas, and The One Collection), including bowling alleys, discos and restaurants.

And the establishment of new foreign and domestic importing companies and new wholesale ‘Cash and Carry’ stores ensures efficient supply chains to maintain high service standards across all hotels.