Cuban Tourism Minister visits Canada as Cuba strengthens ties with its main market

Cuban Tourism Minister Juan Carlos García Granda, visiting Canada, shared a clear message for Cuba’s most important source market: the island is open, ready and deeply grateful for the unwavering support of travelers from that country.

Exchanges and presentations with industry operators aim to strengthen ties with a key market for Cuba’s leisure industry. “Next year, we are confident that we can reach one million Canadian visitors. The conditions are right, the people are ready, and the partnership between Cuba and Canada has never been stronger,” stated Gihana Galindo, the island’s newly appointed Tourism counsellor in Toronto.

The minister was the main host of a Cuba Única Business Appreciation Night at the Illuminarium Toronto, which brought together more than 100 travel agents and members of the specialized press. According to press reports, García Granda spoke candidly about the challenges the destination has faced in recent years, particularly the supply issues during the 2024-2025 winter season.

“We saw a market contraction. It was a very difficult winter. Now we have a strategy. Hotel companies have created their own businesses to bring in supplies.”

He explained that the establishment of new foreign and domestic import companies and new cash-and-carry wholesale outlets ensures efficient supply chains to maintain high service standards in all hotels.

“We believe 2025-2026 will be a good winter. We have high expectations,” the minister added.

Meanwhile, Galindo specified that winter bookings have already increased by 25% compared to last year, “a result that highlights the dedication of our travel partners and the travel advisor community.”

During the event with travel agencies, which the counsellor described as “key to our success because they help us share the beauty of Cuba and boost bookings,” the minister also launched the call to participate in Fitcuba 2026, which will be dedicated to Canada from May 6 to 10.

Eastern Cuban destinations ready to welcome tourists

In a meeting with Canadian media prior to the event, García Granda provided an update on the rapid recovery of the Holguín tourist hub following the impact of Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms to hit Cuba in recent years.
He explained that thanks to emergency response protocols, no lives were lost, neither among local residents nor foreign visitors. He pointed out that more than 600,000 people were safely evacuated, including more than 1,000 Canadian visitors vacationing in Holguín.

“The most important thing for us is the protection of human life,” he said. “We train every year for these situations. That preparation made all the difference.”

“Our geography helps. The island’s long shape allows us to relocate guests efficiently,” he argued. “In this case, many visitors were transferred to Cayo Coco and Ciego de Ávila, where they remained safe and comfortable.”

“Twenty-four hours after the storm, the Holguín airport was already operational,” the minister added. “That is proof of our organization and the dedication of our workers. The tourism teams immediately focused on recovery, restoring facilities and preparing to receive visitors once again.”

Galinda also reported that the eastern region of Cuba is fully operational for visitors. “Electricity, airports, and tourist facilities are functioning normally. Canadian travelers can come with confidence; we are ready to welcome them.”

During the exchange, the minister highlighted the deep bond between Cuba and Canada. “Canadians are our most important visitors,” he stated. “The relationship between Canadian travelers and the Cuban people is based on trust, warmth and friendship. No sensationalist news can break that connection.”

He also praised key Canadian tour operator partners, including Sunwing, WestJet Vacations, and Air Canada Vacations, for their crucial role in connecting the two nations.

“Without them, we couldn’t share our island with so many Canadians. They make it possible for our visitors to discover Cuba and for our people to get to know Canadians. We are proud and grateful for this partnership,” Galindo emphasized.

The Minister stressed the essential nature of the unity between tour operators and hotel partners. “Together we can continue to grow and strengthen the love that Canadians feel for Cuba.” As the winter season approaches, Cuba is focusing on enhancing its offers for the Canadian market, including promoting extended stay programs to cater to different vacationer segments, such as those booking longer stays during its harsh winter.

“Our friendship with Canada has always been special,” concluded García Granda. “We are proud of our recovery, proud of our hospitality, and proud of our Canadian friends who continue to visit us year after year.”

AIR CONNECTIVITY BETWEEN CANADA AND CUBA

With flight routes from various Canadian cities, Sunwing offers a wide range of vacation packages to Cuba’s most popular regions: Varadero, Holguín, Cayo Coco and Havana. With an additional increase in flights now available from several locations across the country—including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Halifax—Galindo says the goal of one million visitors is within reach.

“Cuba has been the backbone of Sunwing for many, many years,” Eric Rodríguez, executive vice president of the Sunwing Vacations Group, told the press. “Our first flight was to Santiago de Cuba. It’s a partnership that has weathered good times and bad, and one that we continue to deeply value.”

With multiple daily flights from major Canadian cities and competitive all-inclusive prices, Cuba remains one of the most accessible sun destinations for Canadians. “For weeks on end, you can have good food, friendly service, and strong medical support, all for much less than you would pay elsewhere,” Rodríguez stated. “The value is undeniable. For many Canadians, Cuba still feels like a second home.”

Sunwing has changed its star rating system for Cuba to be more in line with North American standards and to make it easier for both advisors and their clients to understand the quality of what they are booking.

“We are seeing retirees and remote workers booking hotel stays for up to three months,” Rodríguez added. “When you factor in the convenience of all-inclusive, daily housekeeping, meals, and no property maintenance, it’s often more affordable than a condo in Florida.”

Meanwhile, WestJet has announced that from December 18, 2020, to April 23, 2026, it will operate two new weekly flights, on Thursdays and Sundays, from Toronto to Havana.

In addition, direct flights from Toronto to Cienfuegos via WestJet/Sunwing Vacations begin on December 10, and direct flights to Cayo Largo del Sur on January 20.