Cuba calls for direct UK air link in bid to kickstart tourism recovery

Cuba is calling for a direct air link to the country from the UK in a bid to kickstart its stuttering tourism economy.

 

Last year the island welcomed about 27,000 UK tourists and this year’s total is on track to be similar – far below the peak of 211,000 in 2006 and 205,000 in 2017.

 

The country’s tourism was severely hampered by the twin blow of the coronavirus pandemic and restrictive travel measures introduced by US president Donald Trump, including a ban on US cruise ship companies from docking in Cuban ports.

 

Speaking to Travel Weekly at World Travel Market in London, Cuba tourism minister Juan Carlos García Granda said that re-establishing direct flights from the UK is the destination’s top priority.

 

The call comes after Tui dropped its direct service from Manchester to Varadero – the only direct option to Cuba from the UK – in April 2024 following a “review our flying programme”.

 

“We are trying to re-establish the Tui operation; we would like that very much,” said García Granda. “That is our main wish, but while we create the conditions for Tui to return, we are also analysing other airlines to see if they could provide a similar service.”

 

After Tui announced it was ending its direct service, specialist Aito operator Captivating Cuba pointed to indirect links with carriers such as Air France, Condor, Air Europa and Iberia, which codeshares with British Airways.

 

But in May last year the operator ceased trading with Aito citing the loss of summer 2024 air capacity, as well as “the complexities when operating in Cuba”.

 

García Granda said Cuba appreciated the support of the UK trade, which he hopes will continue whether or not a direct air link is restored.

 

“Operators tell us that Cuba continues to be the main destination of preference for British people, but Cuba is in a difficult position because of the measures introduced by Donald Trump and lack of airlift,” he said.

 

“Despite negative news and comments about Cuba, we really appreciate the efforts of agencies and tour operators. Many of them have a very specialised knowledge of Cuba and are passionate about the country; they love Cuba and the people of Cuba as we do.”

 

García Granda described Cuba as the “perfect tourist destination”, pointing to its “good hotels and beautiful beaches”.

 

“But it’s not just the touristic product that attracts people,” he added. “It’s the culture of our country, it’s the joy of our people and the complex and diversified tourism product that all British people want.”