The Jardines del Rey International Airport in Ciego de Ávila welcomed its first direct flight from Lisbon, Portugal, on Tuesday, operated by the airline World2Fly. The Airbus A330-300 arrived carrying 372 passengers. This new route will operate weekly every Tuesday until September 24.
Aylin Rodríguez Gutiérrez, flight supervisor for World2Meet, a travel division of the Iberostar Group, informed Invasor that most seats on these flights have already been sold. The Portuguese tourists will be staying at various hotel facilities within the Jardines del Rey tourist hub.
Despite this growing interest from travelers, tourism in Cuba continues to face significant challenges, particularly due to criticisms regarding the quality of hotel services. The Cuban government has identified tourism as one of its top priorities for economic development, allocating substantial investments to the sector, yet issues persist.
In a bid to attract more visitors and enhance Cuba's tourism image, World2Fly also launched its first flight of the season to Varadero, landing at the Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport with 430 passengers, also from Lisbon. This flight, along with the one to Jardines del Rey, underscores the Cuban government's strategy to use tourism as a key economic driver.
Direct Flights from Portugal to Jardines del Rey: What You Need to Know
Here are some frequently asked questions about the new direct flights between Portugal and Jardines del Rey, and their implications for Cuban tourism.
How often will the direct flights from Lisbon to Jardines del Rey operate?
The flights will operate weekly every Tuesday until September 24.
Who is the flight supervisor for World2Meet?
Aylin Rodríguez Gutiérrez is the flight supervisor for World2Meet, a travel division of the Iberostar Group.
What are some of the challenges facing Cuban tourism?
Tourism in Cuba faces significant challenges, particularly criticisms of the quality of hotel services.
What other destination in Cuba is receiving flights from Lisbon by World2Fly?
World2Fly also launched its first flight of the season to Varadero, landing at the Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport.