Cuba will host the International Tourism Fair (FitCuba 2025) from April 30 to May 3, at the Morro-Cabaña park in Havana, while facing one of its worst energy and food crises in decades, characterized by prolonged blackouts, widespread shortages, and the worsening of the national economic situation.
The information was disclosed by the Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, in statements reported by the Cuban News Agency and reproduced by the official portal Cubadebate, where he defended the event as a "very timely commercial action in a challenging environment, when there is a need to work harder."
China will be the guest of honor, and the event will be dedicated to Cuban traditions as a way to "enhance the destination" from a cultural, heritage, and natural perspective, according to the head of the department.
García stated that the Chinese market, despite its geographical distance, represents a significant tourist potential for Cuba and the region, which is why special efforts will be made to welcome its representatives, airlines, and tour operators.
In addition to the participation of the Canadian market, the main source of tourism to the island, and leaders from the sector in Latin America, FitCuba 2025 will serve as the stage for the first Summit of Tourism Ministers from ALBA member countries, an initiative that, according to García, aims to establish a strategy for regional multi-destination tourism.
The leading hotel chains operating in the country, such as Meliá, Iberostar, and Blue Diamond, will also be present with the aim of promoting the summer and winter season 2025-2026.
"We arrived at the fair united, and from here onward we can make a difference with what we have achieved so far," declared García, who avoided referring to the critical internal situation of the country, where the promotion of tourism contrasts with the rising levels of poverty, deterioration of the national electrical system, inflation, and shortages.
In the midst of the debacle facing the sector in Cuba, the regime is desperately seeking any alliance that could provide a breath of fresh air to its finances.
For this reason, a joint venture recently created between the Travel Agency Tumey (China) and the Gaviota Tourism Group (Cuba) launched a mobile application designed exclusively for tourists from the Asian giant.
The idea aims to attract visitors from Asia through a technological integration model that, paradoxically, operates well above the actual conditions of the tourism infrastructure on the island.
In that context, the regime recently introduced a new line of cereals, called Guaní, specifically created to supply the tourism sector.
An official source emphasized that the product is the result of the mixed company Proxcor S.A., a merger between the Slovak company Proxenta and the state-owned Cuban firm Coralsa.
Despite the fact that in March tourism in Cuba dropped by 30% compared to the same period in 2024, the regime continues to prioritize investments in that sector, ignoring the prolonged stagnation in the market and the growing shortages affecting the population in essential areas such as public health and food production.
Frequently Asked Questions about the International Tourism Fair in Cuba and the Economic Crisis
What is FitCuba 2025 and when will it take place?
FitCuba 2025 is the International Tourism Fair that will be held in Havana from April 30 to May 3, 2025. The event will take place at the Morro-Cabaña park and will feature China as the guest of honor, focusing on Cuban cultural traditions to enhance the tourism destination.
How is the energy crisis affecting Cuba amid the celebration of FitCuba 2025?
The energy crisis in Cuba is severely affecting the quality of life of the population, with prolonged blackouts and a decline in basic services. While the government prioritizes hosting tourist events like FitCuba 2025, the populace is facing a shortage of essential resources amid widespread supply shortages.
Why does the Cuban government continue to prioritize tourism despite the economic crisis?
The Cuban government prioritizes tourism because it is one of the main sources of foreign currency income for the country. Despite the decline in tourism in recent years, the regime continues to invest in this sector in hopes of revitalizing it and alleviating the economic crisis, although this stands in stark contrast to the lack of investment in essential areas like public health and food production.
What is the state of tourism in Cuba in 2025?
In 2025, tourism in Cuba continues to decline, with projections of receiving only 2.6 million international tourists. This figure is significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels, and the crisis in the sector remains a major challenge for the Cuban economy.
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