Amid a significant decline in tourist arrivals, the Cuban government is attempting to lure couples interested in tying the knot on the island, despite the recent nationwide blackout that plunged several hotel facilities into darkness. In this context, the Ministry of Tourism has deemed it appropriate to host ExpoWeddings 2024.
The event, which kicked off this Friday, will open its doors to the public on Saturday, featuring fashion shows, workshops, and raffles among the so-called "innovative" initiatives conceived by the ministry. "Today marks the first day of ExpoWeddings, and participants are full of energy. We've seen the latest trends in the wedding world, with innovative vendors and many inspiring ideas. Tomorrow is the day for the general public, with fashion shows, workshops, raffles, and much more. Don't miss out on what's next!" shared the institution on its Facebook profile.
Engaging the Private Sector
According to Cubatur's website, the expo features over 30 booths, focusing on attracting the non-state sector to collaborate with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to create the necessary conditions for celebrating weddings in Cuba.
Tourism Investment vs. Reality
Despite the Cuban government's allocation of resources—spending 14 times more on tourism than on public health and social assistance—the influx of visitors to the island has not rebounded. This poses a significant challenge in reaching pre-pandemic figures, as 4.2 million tourists visited Cuba in 2019. Recent data from the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI) indicates that from January to July 2024, Cuba welcomed 1,905,644 travelers, a figure below that recorded in the same period last year. In total, the island saw 15,263 fewer visitors in the first seven months of this year.