The opening ceremony of one of the most important events relevant to the leisure industry in the country is scheduled for May 5 at its traditional venue, the Morro-Cabaña Park in Havana.

Besides promoting Cuba's cultural and historical values as part of its tourism attractions, FITCuba 2008 will be the perfect setting to build on commercial ties.

According to figures released by the Tourism Ministry, over 1,000 foreign experts are attending the Fair. As to the international turnout, the largest numbers hail from Italy, UK, Mexico, Spain and Canada, in addition to 180 journalists from all of the island nation's major outbound markets, according to local news sources.

With this year's edition focused on the integration of culture and tourism, the fair will pave the way for meetings with boldface names of the Cuban arts and the chance to enjoy artistic expressions from each and every region of the country.

The event's schedule includes a classical music concert, a jazz jam session and the opportunity to dance to the beat of a son montuno in the purest eastern Cuba style.

Fair participants will also visit city museums and others scattered all across Cuba since business sessions have been laid out for two days to make room for a grand tour around Cuba's north offshore keys, one of the most sought-after travel destinations of the country.

(mathaba.net)