Destinos Gaviota presents the latest in tourism in Cuba

With more than 2,000 travel agents and tour operators from more than 60 FAM groups, the Destinos Gaviota Tourism Trade Fair 2025 confirms its role as a key showcase for the promotion of the leisure industry in Cuba.

The seventh edition, held in Cayo Santa María, also brought together representatives from 10 airlines, including Turkish Airlines, Copa Airlines, Air Century, Neos and Mexicana de Aviación. Meanwhile, Mexico led the representation with 616 participants, followed by Colombia (345), Brazil (249), and Spain (248).

Carlos M. Latuff, president of the Group, speaking to more than 70 media outlets accredited to the event, stated: “This demonstrates the interest shown by the people who have come on this trip and that we are being given an excellent opportunity for tourism in Gaviota and Cuba.”Later, Frank País Oltusky, Gaviota’s commercial vice president, announced that flights from Spain and Portugal to Santa Clara International Airport—the closest to Cayo Santa María—are now available for the upcoming summer season.

Furthermore, the connection between the Czech Republic and Holguín will be reestablished for the third consecutive year, and a third Copa Airlines flight to Santa Clara will be added, with the possible inclusion of Holguín.

Oltusky also highlighted the sustained growth in arrivals from Canada, with expected increases of between 30% and 40% for the winter season. “For the past two months, Cuba has surpassed the Dominican Republic in arrivals of travelers from Canada,” he stated.

Latuff explained the Group’s strategic focus on revitalizing Cayo Santa María, considered Gaviota’s most important destination due to its hotel infrastructure and non-hotel network. “We have been working for over a year to make several changes, especially providing new products and renovating others.”Among the new features, he highlighted the Luxury brand, which offers exclusive experiences at beach hotels located in Cayo Guillermo, Varadero and Playa Pesquero.

He also announced an upcoming opening in Cayo Las Brujas.”We are learning, creating a team at each hotel that adapts and is in tune with the luxury we truly need… Gaviota must take a step forward in luxury tourism,” he stated.The president presented Playa Kid, a proposal designed to put children at the center of family vacations.

Plaza Las Dunas, on Cayo Santa María, is open to all minors staying at the destination, and the concept will be extended to Playa Pesquero in Holguín and Punta Hicacos.