Cuba has already welcomed half-a-million visitors, signalling a strong year ahead

The Cuba Ministry of Tourism has recorded over 500,000 visitors to the island in the first quarter of 2018. With this half-million milestone surpassed so early in the season, all signs point to another strong year of tourism growth for the popular island nation. Canadians can take some credit for these results: Cuba remains their top destination in the Caribbean, with over one million visitors from Canada flying down each year.

The encouraging announcement comes just ahead of the Cuba International Tourism Fair (FIT Cuba), the destination’s most important tourism industry event. Now entering its 38th year, the event will take place from May 2 through May 6 in Cayos del Norte de Villa Clara. These islets off Cuba’s north coast are connected to the mainland by a stone causeway. Surrounded by sun, sand and sea, attendees will get to fully experience Cuba’s beauty and hospitality at the fairground on Cayo Santa Maria.

FIT Cuba is intended to provide industry partners with insight into the rich diversity Cuba offers and its broad range of visitor interests. The event draws attendees in the tourism industry from all over the world, including international businesspeople, tour operators and travel agents from Canada, Europe, South America and Asia. The 2017 event hosted one of the largest groups ever, boasting over 5,000 delegates from approximately 60 countries. The fair serves as a valuable networking opportunity for suppliers and vendors, and ushers in several pre and post FIT Cuba tour options for attendees.

Cuban destinations put their best foot forward at the fair, presenting their products, hotel chains, marinas and other tourism-related entities. “Sol y Playa” is the theme of 2018, with exhibitors sure to highlight Cuba’s pleasant temperatures, diverse flora and fauna, and legendary white-sand beaches.