They register more than 67 thousand transactions in Cuba with Russian MIR cards

The Cuban government assured that, until the first week of May, more than 67,000 transactions have been registered with MIR payment cards, created only for Russian tourists traveling to Cuba.

CIMEX's financial institution, Fincimex, said that the use of MIR cards is marking a resounding success in its implementation in the island's tourism and hotel sector.

This payment system, managed by the Russian National Card Payment System (NSPK), has become an essential tool for Russian visitors, facilitating access to a variety of services and products in Cuban territory.

Since the end of December 2023, after the officialization of the use of MIR cards as an acceptable means of payment in the national network of ATMs and Point of Sale Terminals (POS), adoption has been massive.

Alfredo Martínez González, deputy manager of Fincimex, told Granma that the implementation of these cards represented a successful technological challenge, thanks to a coordinated effort between Cuban and international entities.

"At first, a survey was carried out of the priority places where the Ministry of Tourism anticipated the arrival of Russian visitors, especially in key tourist areas such as Varadero, Camagüey and Havana," Martínez explained.

Once established in these areas, they began expansion at the national level, covering the entire tourist and commercial network of the country, in a clear indication of the growing economic influence of Russia in Cuba.

This strategy is part of a government strategy to attract more tourists and strengthen economic ties with Russia, especially at a time when Cuban tourism seeks to recover from the blows suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hotel occupancy on the island has not yet reached the desired levels, but the government continues with the opening of luxury hotels despite the economic, social and political crisis in the country.

Russia is the third source market for tourists to Cuba. The statistics could improve with these payment facilities and the continued promotion of the Caribbean country as an ideal tourist destination for Russians.