“Significant progress”: Tourism in Eastern Cuba reopens following Hurricane Melissa

The Cuba Tourist Board says Cuba has made “significant progress” in its recovery efforts across the eastern part of the island following the recent passage of Hurricane Melissa, which struck eastern Cuba on Oct. 29 as a Category 3 storm

Essential services and tourist operations are being restored in “record time,” the destination said in a press release, noting the efforts of the National Defence Council and task forces across the country.

Recovery efforts have focused on repairing critical infrastructure, including water, electricity, communications, and transportation services.

Hotels mostly suffered “cosmetic damages,” the tourist board said, and properties are resuming operations.

The Gran Muthu Almirante hotel has been operational since October 30.

The remaining tourist areas in Guardalavaca and Pesquero are on track to reopen by November 5, at which point all hotels and facilities are expected to be fully ready for guests, the tourist board said. 

All tours, excursions, and facilities outside of hotels will be fully available as of November 5, when tourist activity in the region is anticipated to recover, the tourist board said.

The Frank País International Airport in Holguín has been operational since October 30. Basic services at the Antonio Maceo International Airport in Santiago de Cuba have also been restored.                                                                                                                                 

Customers whose travel plans were affected are encouraged to contact their travel advisor or airline directly to reschedule their trips, said the tourist board.

“Cuba’s high level of preparedness and experienced management of major meteorological events enabled the rapid recovery following Hurricane Melissa,” said Gihana Galindo, director of the Cuba Tourist Board, in a statement, welcoming visitors to all the destinations across the island where operations are normal and ready for winter.

Don't miss a single travel story: subscribe to PAX today!  Click here to follow PAX on Facebook.