The head of state insisted that no effort be spared to show the more than four million people who visit the island every year that, despite the severe impact of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the U.S. government, traveling to Cuba will remain attractive, pleasant, and safe.

Minister of Tourism Manuel Marrero Cruz reported that the Varadero International Hotel, inaugurated on September 14, stands out among new facilities opened this year, including the Paseo del Prado, in Havana; the Kempinski Resort and the Grand Muthu, in Cayo Guillermo; and the first hotel on Cayo Cruz. In addition to these are new facilities from the Encanto group in Sancti Spíritus, Camagüey, Gibara, Santiago de Cuba and the capital

“Over the last 15 years we have renovated 76 heritage buildings. Of these, 64 are today Encanto boutique hotels and 18 offer extra-hotel services,” he said.

The Minister added that investments are being made in nature tourism, recreation, and popular camping; coordination is progressing with the non-state sector; and cultural tourism is being promoted. In addition, commercialization of aesthetic and medical treatments is being prioritized, through a joint strategy with the Ministry of Public Health.

Also reviewed during the meeting was the substitution of imports, with joint efforts being made by the ministries of Agriculture and Industry, for the selection of products to replace those purchased abroad. (National news staff)

PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVES

- We cannot overlook everything the tourism sector brings to the country in economic and social terms, in addition to serving as a bridge, because with every tourist who visits us, he said, the imperial blockade’s regulations are being challenged.

- We must develop new tourism products, not only sun and sand vacations, but activities linked to health, culture, history, heritage, and nature, in which Cuba’s uniqueness is present.

- Many people do not come today as a result of the blockade, but we will overcome this and we will defeat it. We cannot wait until that time to expand our hotel capacity.

- The tourist industry must include collaboration between the state and non-state sectors, and be integrated with local development programs.

(Granma)

The official opening this September 14 of the new Hotel Meliá Internacional in Varadero, which was attended by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, was one of the most anticipated events in the country’s tourism industry.

In spite of the enemies of the Revolution, the new installation reveals, above all, the vitality of the country and confirms the certainty that, despite the difficult economic situation caused by the U.S. blockade, we are alive and well, insisted Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, at the opening ceremony, reported Presidencia.gob.cu.

With a total of 946 rooms, the five-star facility is equipped with the latest technology, has several restaurants and swimming pools, and cafes, as well as the iconic Continental Cabaret and a modern Convention Center.

(Granma)

The plaintiffs sought to base their claim on the alleged illegitimate exploitation of hotels in Cuba, built on land nationalized in accordance with Law 890 of 1960, after the triumph of the Cuban revolution in 1959, and managed by the Meliá group since the late 1980s and early 90s, Prensa Latina reports.

The order is direct and clear, stating that a Spanish court has no authority to determine whether the nationalization conducted by the Cuban state in 1960 was lawful or not.

According to PL, Lower Court No. 24 in Palma de Mallorca issued a ruling fully supporting the arguments presented by Meliá Hotels International, denying jurisdiction and international judicial competence to consider the lawsuit filed by the Santa Lucia sugar mill corporation against the hotel chain.

This U.S. based corporation asserts that, before the 1959 Cuban Revolution, it owned land on Esmeralda Beach, allegedly expropriated by the Cuban state after the approval of Law 890 of October 15, 1960.

The complaint is based on alleged illicit enrichment by Meliá which manages the Sol Río, Luna Mares, and Paradisus Río de Oro hotels, built much later on this beach.

Via this legal procedure, the lawsuit against Meliá was in fact intended to challenge the legitimacy of Cuban laws that established the framework for expropriation of lands, including those the plaintiffs claim to have owned.

In this sense, the court clearly perceived that the consideration of any such procedure required prior determination of the legality of the Cuban government’s nationalizations, concluding that a Spanish court cannot assess whether a nationalization conducted by a sovereign state was legal or not.

According to the court, the plaintiffs’ hypothetical right to compensation, based on the hotels’ earnings, could only be recognized if their property rights were recognized, which would imply conducting a trial and denying the Cuban state’s property rights.

Such a process would be beyond the Spanish court’s jurisdiction, as the ruling acknowledges.

Meliá Hotels Internacional expressed its total agreement with the ruling which, with absolute respect for applicable law, begins the necessary clarification of the real limits on such extraterritorial claims.

Source: Meliá

That so many people have chosen the island is evidence of the confidence and recognition Cuba has achieved as a travel destination, offering not only natural and cultural attractions, but also security.

According to information from the Ministry of Tourism, Canada remains the number one emissary market, followed by European countries, with Russia showing the most growth.

Cuba plans to continue expanding the number of rooms available and the construction of hotels, as Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz reported to the National Assembly last July, also stating that the arrival of more than 4,300,000 tourists is expected by the end 2019.

(Granma)

During the meeting, chaired by Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of the Councils of State and Ministers, the importance of tourism as a driving force in the Cuban economy was emphasized.

The President said that everything this sector brings to the country in economic and social matters should not be overlooked, in addition to being a bridge to the world, since every tourist visiting the country is breaking the U.S. blockade. “That’s why we must defend it, that’s why we must make it more efficient,” he stated, as reported on the Presidency’s website.

With First Vice President Salvador Valdés Mesa and Mercedes López Acea, Party Political Bureau member, also on hand, Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz, reported that 2,081 hotel rooms were completed this year, through the end of June, to reach a total of 72,965 across the country. By the end of 2019, the incorporation of another 4,197 is planned – 97% of which are in 26 new hotels, while the remaining 3% represent expansions.Referring to real estate development projections, the Minister pointed out that 13 new projects are planned, along with seven recreational projects, with special emphasis on those that have been conceived in the context of Havana’s 500th anniversary.Regarding the non-state tourism program, Marrero reported that 27,814 self-employed workers are licensed in this arena, including 17,805 homeowners authorized to operate in the CUC market, offering 26,224 rooms.

(Granma)

The sector Minister noted that despite the harmful measures of the United States government associated, above all, with financial transactions, trade and especially travel, the number of visitors to the island thus far has surpassed that of last year. Marrero also noted his satisfaction with the presence at the fair of 26 United States companies and around 50 businesspeople from that country.

Regarding the blockade and the recent activation of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, he conveyed confidence to international businesses, and assured legal guarantees and the accompaniment of the Cuban government in the face of any threat to which they may be subjected.

“This measure cannot be applied within Cuba. All companies that have businesses in the country enjoy full legal safeguards under Law 118 on Foreign Investment, and Law 80 on the Reaffirmation of Cuban Dignity and Sovereignty,” he explained.

Spanish Minister of Industry, Trade, and Tourism, María Reyes Maroto, stressed that her country has led the resistance to activation of Title III within the European Union, and that a second debt swap program and a counterpart fund of 375 million euros will be activated, with the intention of further encouraging Spanish investment in Cuba.

Also participating in the inauguration of FitCuba 2019 were the member of the Party Central Committee Secretariat, Mercedes López Acea; Party First Secretary in Havana, Luis Antonio Torres Iríbar; and the President of the Havana Provincial Assembly, Reinaldo García Zapata.

FitCuba 2019 also opened its doors at the San Carlos de la Cabaña fortress, where the main theme of the keynote address offered to delegates and guests by Havana City Historian, Dr. Eusebio Leal Spengler, was the inescapable link between culture and tourism development.

San Ambrosio Hall was full to capacity as those gathered listened to an always motivational speaker, who affirmed – referring to the 500th anniversary of the Villa de San Cristóbal de La Habana – that this year does not simply mark a past event, but recalls the capital’s accumulated history. Leal offered the audience a summary of the restored works in the historic center of the city, as part of the program to rescue patrimonial assets, while recognizing that much remains to be done.

For his invaluable and courageous contribution to these efforts, Leal Spengler was presented with a miniature of the “living tradition that is the cannon shot at nine,” by Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz.

NEW CONTRACTS SIGNED AT FITCUBA 2019

Two new hotel administration contracts were signed in the framework of FitCuba 2019, as José Reynaldo Daniel Alonso, director general for Development at the Cuban Ministry of Tourism (Mintur), told reporters.

Canadian chain Blue Diamond and Cuban counterpart Gran Caribe will work together for the operation of a new hotel to be located in Cayo Coco and another on the Varadero islets.

The initial plans are for 380 rooms in Cayo Coco, and a total of 450 in Varadero. “They will be two top-level products that will offer the possibility of increasing operating standards in both tourist poles,” the Mintur director added.

The sector official also presented the latest updates to the Ministry of Tourism’s portfolio of foreign investment opportunities, which today covers 103 projects:

• 29 in the form of joint ventures, 25 hotels and 4 theme parks

• 60 hotel administration and marketing contracts in new and existing facilities

• 14 contracts for the administration and marketing of services in marinas and recreational parks:

- 4 in recreational centers

- 2 marinas
- 2 naval workshops

- 6 Campismo Popular accommodation facilities

The Vice President of Marketing for the Gaviota hotel group, Frank País Oltuski, also offered information regarding investments by this chain.

As he explained, in the last 12 months, 2,500 new rooms were incorporated in Havana, the keys of Villa Clara, Jardines del Rey, and Holguín; for a total of 33,020 rooms in 95 facilities.

Among the innovations of this hotel group, Oltuski announced the opening in Cayo Guillermo, in the final quarter of this year, of the first exclusively LGBTI hotel in Cuba, with a total of 250 rooms.

Likewise, due to be completed is a second high-end installation with 245 bedrooms in Playa Pilar, and operations will begin in Cayo Cruz, in Camagüey, with a 546-room hotel, along with another 60-room facility associated with a tourist plaza.

Meanwhile, Mintur’s representative in Havana, Xonia Beltrán, referred to the capital’s potential as a tourist destination, where different modalities can be combined.

“Today we are undertaking a broad investment program in honor of the 500th anniversary of Havana. The hotel capacity of the capital will increase this year by 740 rooms, and 13 new facilities will be incorporated, mostly small and medium accommodation,” she added.

At the close of April 2019, the following projects were approved:

• 97 hotel management and marketing contracts

• 19 foreign management contracts

• 1 service administration contract

These cover a total of 47,102 rooms (65% of the country)

Long-term Mintur development projects:

Total: 610

- Accommodation 332

- Recreation 51

- Real estate associated with tourism 30

- Nature tourism 50

- Camping 55

- Recreational nautical activities 22

- Tourism support entities 70

HAVANA AS AN EVENT TOURISM DESTINATION

The promising future of Havana as a destination for event, congress, and incentive tourism was highlighted by Frank País Oltuski, Grupo Gaviota S.A vice president of Marketing.

Beyond the complexities Cuba faces due to the aggressive measures of the United States government, the city is consolidating itself as a tourist destination, he stressed, while exemplifying the continuity of investments in hotel infrastructure, thanks to which this group already offers more than 33,000 rooms throughout the country.

In terms of event tourism, he mentioned the well-known IMASUB underwater photography event held at the María La Gorda International Diving Center, in Pinar del Río; as well as the Naturaleza Digital photography contest held in the Protected Natural Landscape of Topes de Collantes, in Sancti Spíritus, which in June and September will celebrate their ninth and eighth editions, respectively.

Based on foreign tourists’ growing interest in contact with nature, he noted that for the second consecutive year, the “Bolsa Destinos Gaviota” will take place from October 2 through 5, with shared headquarters in Havana and Varadero, offering promotional nature tourism packages.

He also emphasized the broad program conceived by the Gaviota Tours Travel Agency on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the Villa de San Cristóbal de La Habana.

INNOVATIVE TOURISM PRODUCTS

Several directors of Cuban agencies and guests offered detailed explanations of developments underway in event tourism and incentive travel.

Argentine Pablo Weil, president of the Latin American Federation of Congress and Associated Events Organizers, spoke about how to imbue tourist products with the added value of the cultural identity of each country, highlighting similarities and diversities, as part of the region’s distinctive cultural mix. He stressed that each country offers its own messages and leaves a unique mark on anyone visiting.

Meanwhile, the PALCO Enterprise Group offered a review of its historic development, from the opening of the Havana International Conference Center in 1979, to becoming an organization composed of 10 enterprises characterized by exclusivity in the provision of services to congresses, fairs, and national and international exhibitions.

José Manuel Bisbé York, president of Agencia Viajes Cuba, described how different tourist products are prepared to be marketed. “In the selection of destinations and events, the characteristics of the country play a very important role,” he said.

He added that tourists seek to experience unique aspects of the places visited, for example historically important sites, areas where ancient populations lived, or the flora and fauna of areas rarely frequented. In this regard, he noted: “I firmly believe that Cuba is a luxury destination.”

The San Cristóbal 500 tour catalogue, with a series of interesting visits to the Cuban capital, includes both day and night time trips to different attractions, in line with related themes that range from the harmonious coexistence of different religious manifestations, to visits to interactive high-tech museums.

Meanwhile, Artex’s Paradiso Tour Agency explained each of the festivals, fiestas and cultural events it promotes, designed to attract visitors seeking specialized tourism packages linked to literature, film, fine arts, dance, music and traditional festivals.

Regarding the destination of Varadero, the 11th edition of the Grand Golf Tournament is set to be held in October, alongside the 11th International edition of Varadero Gourmet, dedicated to gastronomy. Meanwhile, commercial company Caracol presented the 32nd Friends of Partagás Encounter, for lovers of that cigar brand.

Finally, the Ecotur agency announced the International Nature Tourism Event, TURNAT 2019, which this year will be held September 24 through 28 in Ciénaga de Zapata, Sancti Spíritus, and Cienfuegos.

(Granma)

Cuba’s “Pearl of the South” is known for its modernity, architecture, and organization, as stated in the recognition of its central historic district as a World Heritage Site in 2007, “The first, exceptional example of an architectural complex representative of the new ideas of modernity, hygiene, and order, in the urban planning that developed in Latin America during the 19th century.”

Highlighted are the integrity and conservation of its architecture, its “elegant squares and promenades, stretches of façades…” but only those who have been here know its magic, which comes not only from the sober beauty of its buildings.

Cienfuegos moves in its history, written by more than 2,000 members of the brigade of that region in the Rebel Army, who rose up on a glorious September 5, 1957, and in more the than 60 years of its inhabitants’ commitment. And it lives in the pride of its people, in the industrial boom that distinguishes it, in the bay without which the city does not breathe.

Tonight, its art will be celebrated, and the stage could be no other than the mythical Tomás Terry Theater, also a Cienfuegos fixture. The history of this city will be revisited by musicians and actors, under the direction of José Oriol González.

But the 200 years are only a pretext. The beloved city is the subject of song, and venerated, every day.

(Granma)

Forecasts for the present year were based on sector potential, and include the expected arrival of 5,100,000 international visitors, representing a 7.4% increase in comparison to 2018, as reiterated by Tourism Minister, Manuel Marrero.

There are already early signs that this figure will be reached, as Cuba welcomed one million international visitors five days before it did so in 2018, while January closed with an increase of 9% as compared to the same month of the previous year.

It is worth noting that the anticipated growth of this sector is not based solely on new investments, but also on plans for modernization and updating of the country’s existing hotel infrastructure. Meanwhile, diversification goes hand in hand with the development of event and incentive tourism, and the promotion of high-standard facilities in Havana.

The upcoming annual International Tourism Fair, FitCuba, to be held in Havana in May, will offer an opportunity to corroborate results in this regard, including the announced opening of a dozen new accommodations and the reincorporation of 1,121 refurbished rooms that were out of service.

Currently in different phases of construction are the Havana hotels: Prado y Malecón, Corona, Metropolitano, Gran Hotel, and those located on Malecón and D Street, 3rd and 70th Streets, and 25th and K Streets; while undergoing refurbishment are the hotels: Habana Riviera, Habana Libre, Deauville, Lincoln, Sevilla, Cohíba, Colina, Vedado, St. Johns, Neptuno Tritón and Copacabana. Reconstruction works are planned on another five, among them, the emblematic New York hotel.

Such a broad investment program includes extra-hotel services such as the Tarará and Hemingway marinas, and the Capdevila golf course; in addition to recreation and gastronomic centers, including the La Ferminia restaurant, and the Complejo 1830.

SAFE, QUALITY TOURISM

Sector authorities estimate that, for the first time, revenues in the current year will surpass 3 billion dollars, representing growth of 17%.

Greater service quality and diversity constitutes the cornerstone of efforts, supported by the intangible value provided by the security of the country, which leads to increased tourist arrivals, as visitors recognize and appreciate the safe conditions to undertake activities.

A series of international awards vouch for such conditions: Varadero features second place in the TripAdvisor 2019 Travelers’ Choice Awards for the world’s best beaches, after having placed third in 2018; while the hotels Paradisus Princesa del Mar, located at the same beach destination, and Havana’s Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski and Hotel Nacional, were all recognized in different categories of the 2018 World Travel Awards, which identify excellence in all activities linked to the global travel and tourism industry.

Such honors, together with last year’s record number of international visitors, only serve to refute the U.S. State Department’s Cuba Travel Advisory, warning its citizens to reconsider travel to the island.

The advisory, in effect since November 2017, represents yet another orchestrated lie aimed at sabotaging Cuba’s economic and social development. Just like the ever-present blockade, it has had a negative impact, demonstrated by the 40% drop in U.S. visitors to the island following the issue of the warning, having seen previous growth of 175%.

However, people from other latitudes continue to come to Cuba, attracted by its climate, environment, culture, and safety. Meanwhile, several sectors in the U.S. itself have expressed their opposition to moves by the Donald Trump administration, including for example the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA), which has insisted that Cuba is a “safe” destination.

Likewise, Cuba Educational Travel, a U.S. organization, reported that in an anonymous survey of citizens of that nation, 99.13% felt “safe” or “very safe” during their stay in the Caribbean country. The same opinion is shared by U.S. Senators who have traveled to the island, and refute the story of sonic attacks on diplomatic staff at their embassy in Havana, instead advocating the restoration of all operations of that mission.

Further arguments to support Cuba as a tourist destination include the Excelencias Award for Safest Travel Destination, received by Minister Manuel Marrero during the 38th International Tourism Trade Fair, FITUR 2018, held in Madrid; or the high level events and visits of dignitaries and personalities from around the world, who travel to Cuba to strengthen ties of friendship and collaboration.

In addition, the country’s potential is demonstrated by growing foreign investment in the sector. Two examples are the Meliá company, which continues to consolidate its presence in Cuba, operating 34 hotels with14,661 rooms; while the prestigious Asian chain MGM Muthu Hotels will open its fourth hotel in Cuba during the first half of this year. All this begs the question as to who losses out more from the U.S. obstacles to Cuban tourism.

(Granma)

As he explained, 2018 was a year focused mainly on quality, and seeking better value for money. This year, the idea is to achieve coherence between the improvements that are being made and the marketing of the group’s products, working to meet customers’ expectations.

To meet its goals, the hotel group is implementing a comprehensive investment plan that includes not only the improvement of many of its facilities throughout the country, but also the inauguration of new spaces and more modern products.

FOREIGN INVESTMENT

“This year we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of Islazul, and this is the pretext for the improvement of many of the chain’s products, and to face new challenges relating to foreign investment,” explained Osnier Fonseca Cabrera, Islazul vice president of Marketing.

“We are open to foreign investment, especially in terms of administration with financing and commercialization. For this, we already have an administration contract with Meliá (hotel chain),” he noted.

“We currently have agreements with this Spanish chain for the management of some of our hotels in Camagüey province: the Gran Hotel and Hotel Colón. All this implies investment and an improved product. With this program, we hope to introduce in the country, by the end of 2019, the Meliá chain’s Innside brand; and we will begin with the Hotel Camagüey,” Fonseca added.

He noted that Islazul is in the process of negotiating with several prospective partners and operators around the world. Invitations to tender have been extended in destinations such as Havana, Varadero, Camagüey, Sancti Spíritus and Santiago de Cuba, which demonstrate the chain’s interest in growing.

Islazul is promoting nature and health tourism. Pictured: Hotel Hanabanilla in Santa Clara. Photo: Islazul
Tovar added: “The Sercotel chain, meanwhile, with a presence in Havana, will begin to manage more hotels in Cuba. In addition, there is the possibility of renegotiating with other chains that may be interested in hotel management.”

Referring to infrastructure, Fonseca noted that investments are being made throughout the country. The most significant are in Havana and Varadero, the two destinations where Islazul has the largest number of rooms.

In the case of the Cuban capital, and as part of the celebrations for the 500th anniversary of its founding, the chain will inaugurate the Hotel Vedado Azul, located on 2nd Street, between 23rd and 25th Streets, in Plaza de la Revolución municipality. This small but very comfortable hotel joins the recently inaugurated San Juan Hotel in Matanzas; El Florial, in Villa Clara; and El Deportivo in Santiago de Cuba.

In addition, almost complete renovation is planned for the Lincoln, Colina, Caribbean, and Paseo Habana hotels, and other Islazul facilities in the capital. The chain has a total of ten facilities in Havana, offering around 3,000 rooms.

Tovar also highlighted a project being developed this year with the Cuban Medical Services Marketing Enterprise (SMC).

“One of our modalities is nature tourism, and that’s why we have teamed up with SMC, and have hotels close to rehabilitation centers. I’m referring to Hotel Elguea, in Corralillo, Villa Clara; and Los Lagos de Mayajigua Hotel, in San José de los Lagos, Sancti Spíritus.

“Another is El Mirador de San Diego, in Pinar del Río, which is also next to a rehabilitation center. Together, Islazul and SMC are developing projects for the total remodeling of these services, and to further support the development of health tourism,” the Islazul president reported.

A PRESENCE THROUGHOUT CUBA

Islazul has a total of 117 facilities including hotels, motels, hostels, villas and serviced apartments. It also offers holiday homes, with 887 in four key destinations: Habana del Este, Varadero, Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo, and Santa Lucía beach in Camagüey.

A comprehensive investment plan is underway in 2019 to improve facilities and attract more international guests. Pictured: Hotel Los Delfines, Varadero. Photo: Islazul
The chain has a presence in most of the country’s provincial capitals and heritage cities, as well as its beach and nature destinations, as its slogan “Throughout Cuba” states. This year, it is set on raising standards across its facilities.

“Islazul has two, three, and four star hotels. In the center of Sancti Spíritus, we have three four-star hotels, as well as in the center of Bayamo, the Royalton and the recently opened Telegrafo Hotel, and Hotel Florial in Santa Clara. In addition to these, with this year’s improvements, we are aiming to raise the standard of many of our hotels to higher categories,” Tovar explained.

Currently, around 70% of Islazul’s clients are Cuban, while close to 20% are of other nationalities. As is the case nationally, its biggest market is tourists from Canada, followed by Europeans, who enjoy tour modalities throughout the island.

“The national market increases especially in the summer, and on certain dates such as Mother’s Day, February 14, and others. For years, we have earned a very good reputation and there are many Cubans who enjoy our services,” Tovar stressed.

In addition, Islazul actively participates in the most important tourist events held in the country, such as the International Nature Tourism Event (TURNAT), and the International Tourism Fair (FITCuba), and also hosts congresses, events, and meetings throughout the year.

“Today we continue working to provide Wi-Fi connection in all our facilities. An intense program has been undertaken so that our customers have access to new technologies, and we help meet the (national) challenge of reaching 5,100,000 international visitors in 2019,” the hotel group’s president concluded.

Islazul operates medium and small capacity hotels, ranging from 40 rooms up to 300. It currently has 9,073 rooms, plus new openings that are already providing services in the different provincial capitals of the country.

Today, the chain remains focused on improving the quality of its service and the comfort of its facilities. It is therefore opening up to foreign investment, and working to increase online sales, negotiate with operators and diversify its products. In the lead up to the celebrations for its 25th anniversary, on August 1st, the most important thing, according to its president “is to be prepared to grow, and continue growing.”

(Granma)

This progress, Díaz-Canel said, has been achieved without compromising the country’s sovereignty, as some predicted, but on the contrary, our independence has been defended and preserved, at the same time that knowledge, markets, and capital have been acquired, along with a prestigious image around the world.

The Cuban President made these remarks during a recent review of the performance of foreign investment in tourism, adding that links with national industry and the non-state sector must continue to be strengthened, to continue reducing the high volume of products the country imports for tourist facilities.

During the meeting, Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz explained that, to date, 27 joint enterprises have been created, with 5,091 hotel rooms in four and five star establishments.

In the country’s 2019 Portfolio of Foreign Investment Opportunities, 176 projects are included, he reported, among them hotels, recreation centers, marinas, and Campismo family vacation facilities.

He pointed out that, although progress has been made with foreign investment, there is still dissatisfaction with lengthy processes for making proposals, approval, dissolution and liquidation of businesses with foreign capital, and inconsistent compliance with corporate obligations in joint enterprises.Marrero acknowledged, “It is imperative to encourage work at all levels to ensure compliance with approved policy and projected growth, in quantity and quality, in projects required for the development of Cuban tourism.

”Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment Rodrigo Malmierca Díaz stated that tourism represents an important strength for the country, in attracting foreign capital and exporting services, while work underway to build productive links with the rest of the national economy continues.

(Granma)