FITCuba 2026 will feature in-person & virtual sessions

This article was updated on Tuesday, April 14 at 4:05 p.m. EST

Despite geopolitical headwinds, Cuba’s International Tourism Fair, FITCuba, will still go ahead this year, but in a hybrid format that features in-person and virtual sessions.

FITCuba, set for May 7–9, comes at a pivotal moment as the island prepares to fully revive its tourism sector and welcome Canadians once again.

“For decades, a unique bond has connected Canada and Cuba. As the island looks forward to resuming full-scale operations, FITCuba 2026 serves as a vibrant invitation to keep that special friendship alive,” wrote the Cuba Tourist Board in a press release. “This year’s fair is designed to bridge the distance, blending modern digital efficiency with the incomparable warmth of Cuban hospitality.”

This year’s FITCuba program includes:

May 7–8: Professional Business Sessions (Virtual) – Focused on innovation and growth, these two days of exclusive online networking allow tour operators, agencies, and airlines to connect seamlessly from anywhere in the world. Industry professionals can access the specialized platform at www.fitcuba.net.

May 9: Public Day (In-Person Celebration) – In a beautiful display of optimism and culture, the fair moves to the lush Josone Park in Varadero. This public day invites everyone to experience Cuba’s diverse tourism offerings firsthand through interactive showcases and spirited cultural activities.

"Cuba remains a destination of spirit and strength," said Gihana Galindo, director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto, in a statement. “We are eager to strengthen our collaborations and we can’t wait to welcome Canadians once again with warm shores and open arms”

Cuba is grappling with a severe energy crisis after disruptions in Venezuelan oil supplies left the country’s airports short of jet fuel, prompting Canadian airlines to suspend service in February.

As reported, Sunwing Vacations and Vacances WestJet Québec are planning to resume their Cuba operations, via WestJet, on June 20, with packages to Varadero (VRA) and Cayo Coco (CCC) from Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City.

Air Transat has also revealed that it will postpone its return to Cuba until at least June 20. The company says it is continuing to assess its Cuba flight program for summer 2026. 

"A decision will be made in the coming weeks. In the meantime, flights scheduled between mid-June and the end of October 2026 remain temporarily closed for sale," the company told PAX on April 14.

Air Canada, however, has pushed back the return of its Cuba service until November 1, 2026, citing ongoing operational issues including power outages and hotel closures on the island.

The Government of Canada is currently warning citizens against all non-essential travel to Cuba, pointing to deepening shortages of fuel, electricity, food, water, and medicine.

Still, some tour operators, such as Enjoy Travel Group and Hola Sun Holidays, have continued to promote the island nation.

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

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