Cuban tourism authorities announced the reopening of a hotel in Varadero, the Iberostar Laguna Azul, which will resume its services in April.
"The Iberostar Laguna Azul Hotel located in Varadero announces its reopening on April 18 after a hiatus due to the international health situation. #TourismNews #CubaYourSafeDestination," stated the Cuban Travel Business Group on their official Twitter profile.
They also noted that during the period when Iberostar Laguna Azul stopped offering its services due to the coronavirus crisis, renovations were carried out on the property to enhance its comfort. The hotel will reopen as an All-Inclusive resort. It is rated 5 stars, with accommodations ranging from Standard rooms to Suites.
The opening of this facility, which Viajes Cuba asserts meets the health protocols of the Hygiene and Safety Tourism Certification (T+HS), coincides with a rise in coronavirus infections in Matanzas, the province where the tourist hotspot Varadero is located.
The coronavirus is increasing in Matanzas as preparations are being made to welcome tourists.
The Cuban government is preparing to welcome the potential arrival of tourists to the Varadero tourist hub amidst a complex epidemiological situation due to the coronavirus. On Thursday, the detection of two new genetic variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was reported in Matanzas (South African and Californian variants).
The new variants have been reported in the municipalities of Jagüey Grande, Jovellanos, and Colón (South African variant), as well as in Cárdenas (Californian variant). They cause higher levels of contagion, lethality, and spread of the virus. Authorities continue to implement mass testing and have announced new restrictive measures, but in several municipalities in Matanzas, the epidemic has worsened. Hospitals are nearly overwhelmed. It is believed that this situation may be linked to delays in the arrival of flights from Russian tourists to Varadero.
The arrival of tourists in Varadero has yet to materialize.
Although the Cuban government insists through its official sources that it is preparing for a massive influx of tourists to various areas of the country, the truth is that on April 1, the project to resume flights between Moscow and Varadero was postponed, which would have brought up to 3,500 Russian visitors per week to Cuba's best beach.
Without providing much reasoning, the Cuban Embassy in Russia indicated that flights would not be resumed as planned because "there are still logistical arrangements that need to be defined by the Russian aviation authorities."
Cuba is also anticipating a wave of Canadian tourists that has yet to materialize. First, Canada must reopen its borders, which have been closed since January due to the rise in coronavirus cases.
Lesner Gómez, director of the Tourism office in Toronto, told the official Cuban press, "When the northern nation reopens its borders and air operations, there will be an avalanche of vacationers heading to the island destinations." However, he did not provide a specific date for the arrival of these potential visitors.
In the first two months of 2021, Cuba experienced a dramatic decline in international tourism. Compared to January and February of 2020, the country saw a decrease of over 95% in travelers due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The revitalization of tourism in Cuba will not only depend on controlling the pandemic within the country, which has not been achieved. It will also be influenced by the progress in vaccination among Canadian, Spanish, German, English, and French citizens, who are the primary markets visiting the island.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tourism in Cuba and the Current Situation in Varadero.
Why does the Cuban government continue to invest in tourism despite the economic crisis?
The Cuban regime prioritizes tourism as a source of income and seeks to maintain its international image, despite criticism for neglecting other vital sectors such as health and education. This strategy has been questioned by the population, which is experiencing a severe economic and social crisis.
How does the health situation affect the arrival of tourists in Varadero?
The arrival of tourists in Varadero has been impacted by the rise in COVID-19 cases and the emergence of new variants of the virus in the region. Despite the health measures that have been implemented, the epidemiological situation remains a challenge for tourism in Cuba.
What improvements have been made in Varadero hotels during the pandemic?
During the forced break due to the pandemic, some hotels in Varadero, such as Iberostar Laguna Azul, have been renovated to enhance their comfort. The renovations aim to attract tourists with updated facilities under the All-Inclusive model, while adhering to health safety protocols.
What impact does the reopening of international flights have on Cuban tourism?
The reopening of international flights is crucial for revitalizing tourism in Cuba. Air connections, such as those from Plus Ultra and Rossiya, are essential for attracting tourists from countries like Poland and Russia, although the success of these measures depends on managing the pandemic and the internal economic conditions.
What are the main challenges facing tourism in Cuba today?
Tourism in Cuba faces several challenges, including the energy crisis, poor hotel infrastructure, and the healthcare situation. Furthermore, investment policies that favor tourism at the expense of other social needs generate criticism and impact the perception of the country as a safe and attractive tourist destination.
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