This Friday, a Boeing 787-9 plane from Air China arrived in Cuba with 116 passengers, resuming flights between Havana and Beijing.
The travelers were accommodated at the Meliá Habana Hotel.
The flight, which made a technical stop in Madrid, was welcomed at the José Martí International Airport with extensive press coverage and the presence of three ministers.
The Prime Minister, Manuel Marrero Cruz, the Minister of Transport, Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, and the Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, were at the airport reception.
It is planned for the flight to operate twice a week - on Tuesdays and Fridays in this first stage - although Zhang Xin, representative of Air China in Cuba, explained to Cubadebate that they expect to increase the frequency in the future.
"They have come to stay," said Manuel Marrero Cruz during the welcoming ceremony, describing the resumption of flights between the two countries as a dream come true.
In his welcoming words, he thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping and added that this air connection is not an isolated action, but a demonstration of the strengthening of the historical ties between both countries.
Juan Carlos García Granda, Minister of Tourism, announced that yesterday Presidential Decree 821 was published in the Official Gazette formalizing the visa exemption for Chinese citizens, a measure that will facilitate the arrival of visitors from that country to the island.
"This is a historic moment for the trade relations between both countries, and the possibilities that arise are limitless, laying the foundation for multi-destination. Cuba offers culture, history, heritage, events, health tourism, among other qualities," he pointed out.
Although on the island the so-called "sun and beach tourism" predominates - which does not interest Chinese tourists very much - the Ministry of Tourism of the island has designed special offers linked to historical, heritage, and cultural aspects, among other modalities.
Granda detailed that products and programs have been designed tailored to routes like Viñales, the tobacco route, Trinidad, and Havana as the "Wonder City."
He also said he is interested in expanding tourist connections in the market by incorporating new tour operators and online travel agencies.
It was also announced that work is being done on a Union Pay system through Fincimex, which should be available in the coming months. This action will facilitate transactions for Chinese visitors and enhance their travel experience.
Eduardo Rodríguez Dávila, Cuban Minister of Transportation, said that we were witnessing the opening of a new chapter in air connectivity between the People's Republic of China and the countries of the Caribbean and Latin America.
"The flagship airline, with its significant logo identifying its red phoenix, shows good omens, peace, happiness, and a sincere opportunity to serve society. At the same time, it expresses its strength and ability to ensure the safety of operations," said Rodríguez Dávila, who recalled that in 2015 that airline was authorized to carry out regular passenger, cargo, and mail operations between Cuba and China."
What do you think?
COMMENTFiled under:
