Cuban tourism features at global event in Assisi, Italy

Cuba is participating in the 17th edition of the World Tourism Event (WTE)—a fair dedicated to promoting and highlighting UNESCO World Heritage sites—held on September 24–25 at the historic Palazzo del Monte Frumentario in the Italian city of Assisi.

Cuba’s presence offers an opportunity to showcase the island’s diverse tourism offerings to industry professionals and the general public, with a special focus on its cultural and natural heritage, history, traditions, and other elements that define the destination’s unique identity.

During the fair, Cuban Tourism Counselor Yanet Mora is meeting with industry professionals and operators to present the destination’s potential and explore new opportunities for promotion and marketing in the Italian market, as well as ways to expand Cuba’s presence in cultural and heritage tourism segments.

The WTE’s professional program includes a B2B workshop featuring destinations, buyers, and international operators, alongside an exhibition area open to the public and activities dedicated to tangible and intangible cultural heritage. Key topics include sustainable mobility, cultural and nature tineraries, and the role of cultural and religious routes in enhancing the value of local territories.

This year’s edition takes place amidst celebrations marking the 800th anniversary of the passing of Saint Francis of Assisi, linking heritage promotion with values such as peace, intercultural dialogue, sustainability, and the protection of territories. For Cuba, participation in this event offers an opportunity to further strengthen its standing in the Italian market and to present both the public and industry professionals with a broader view of the destination—one that highlights the country’s rich heritage, culture, history, and natural beauty alongside its traditional sun-and-beach offerings.

The exchanges scheduled during the fair also provide a platform to address the realities of life in Cuba and the challenges the country faces—including the impact of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade and the unilateral coercive measures imposed by the United States government, a situation that has intensified following executive orders issued by the U.S. president on January 29 and May 1, 2026. These forums also serve to reiterate that Cuba remains open to tourism and ready to welcome those who wish to experience its culture, heritage, natural landscapes, and the hospitality of its people.

Cuba’s participation in Assisi builds upon its presence at previous editions of the WTE; it helps boost the promotion of Cuba as a destination and strengthens ties with professionals and stakeholders in the Italian tourism industry within a setting dedicated to heritage and cultural tourism.

Based on information from https://misiones.cubaminrex.cu/