Juan Carlos García Granda, Cuba's Minister of Tourism, has revealed that the island nation is on the verge of seeing its first hotels constructed and operated by Russian companies. This initiative is a key component of Cuba's strategy to boost foreign investment.
In an interview with Russian news agency TASS, García Granda emphasized the tourism sector's proficiency in forming joint ventures and attracting international capital. He highlighted the significance of welcoming Russian participation in these efforts. "We are very close to having the first hotels built by Russian entrepreneurs in Cuba," he announced during a recent visit to Moscow. He further mentioned that negotiations are underway to potentially transfer management of some existing hotels to Russian firms.
Strengthening Ties: Improving Air Connectivity
García Granda also noted that these developments could enhance air connectivity between the two nations, which currently hampers Russian tourist arrivals in Cuba. It is noteworthy that in mid-October, Russian airline Rossiya resumed direct flights to Havana, an action García Granda described as "a positive step forward."
Challenges in Meeting Tourism Goals
Despite these initiatives, the minister conceded that Cuba will not meet its target of 200,000 Russian tourists this year, with a revised goal set for 2025. As of September 30, the number stood at 141,615, falling short of official expectations, according to 14yMedio. The outlet also highlighted the unlikely achievement of welcoming 2.7 million visitors in 2024.
Expanding Horizons: New Hotel Openings
Back in July, representatives from the Gaviota hotel group informed Canadian tour operators about the upcoming opening of new hotels on the island, as reported by tourism and travel portal Travel Week. The report indicates that Gaviota is actively focusing on destinations such as Havana, Varadero, Cayo Santa María, and Holguín, while also keeping an eye on other tourist areas throughout Cuba.