Demand for travel to Cuba remains strong in Canada

Havana, Cuba. Photo: PAX

Hola Sun Holidays in Toronto has received a significant number of inquiries about travel options to Cuba via third countries following the suspension of direct flights from Canada, the tour operator’s General Manager, Hugo Rocha, told PAX magazine.

Hola Sun’s main connections to the island currently include flights via the United States (American Airlines, Southwest, and Delta Air Lines), Mexico City and Cancun (Aeromexico, Viva Aerobus, and Magnicharter), and Panama (Copa Airlines).

According to Rocha, the agency offers hotel accommodations throughout the archipelago, as well as airport-hotel-airport transfer services in the main tourist destinations, including Havana, Varadero, Holguín, Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey and Santa Clara.

“There continues to be steady demand for travel related to visits with family members, close Cuban friends, divers, cyclists, and donation initiatives,” said Rocha, who highlighted the decades-long relationship of trust between Canada and Cuba, which is reflected in the constant flow of visitors.

“Additionally, clients currently in destination have confirmed that airport transfers are operating smoothly and that they are enjoying their hotel,” he added, while noting that due to the energy situation caused by US pressure, tourism operations are mainly concentrated in Havana and Varadero.

He added that tourist services continue without interruption, including taxi services, and that private businesses and restaurants have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt by installing alternative energy sources, such as solar panels and generators, to maintain their offers.

Enjoy Travel Group, with an office in Montreal, also offers options for visiting Cuba. In an email to PAX, Director of Sales, Marketing, and Operations, Sabrena Dayle, stated: “Our programs are designed to be flexible, including both full packages and air-only options for those who already have accommodations arranged.”

Enjoy’s current program includes flights from Toronto or Montreal to Cancún or Punta Cana via Air Transat; and charter flights to Cuba: from Cancún to Havana and from Mérida to Havana via Magni Charter Airlines.

To travel from the Dominican Republic to Cuba, the group uses flights between Santo Domingo and Havana operated by SKYhigh Airlines.

Regarding fuel supply restrictions, she explained that all Enjoy programs include airport transfers to and from the hotel, but excursions and local exploration are limited. Major hotel chains have confirmed they are fully operational, offering uninterrupted food and beverage service; and Enjoy’s partner hotels also have backup generators.

The Cuban Tourism Board in Toronto, in a statement to PAX, emphasized that Cuba is open for business. “We have airlines from other countries still flying and the market is shifting from mass-market resort tourism to more resilient, community-driven travel,” the statement reads.

“Whether you are visiting for sun and sand, family reunions, or to deliver donations, the flow of visitors remains steady and the feedback from Canadians currently on the island is overwhelmingly positive,” it added.