CUBA

Journal: TWUK	Section:
Title:	Issue Date: 22/05/00
Author:	Page Number: 42
Copyright: Other

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CUBA

CUBA

More than just another beach holiday: Havana has become more popular as visitors start to take an interest in the heritage, culture and politics of the island

Growing interest in Cuba’s culture is boosting the island’s popularity on the UK market.

CUBA is no longer the cheapest destination in the Caribbean but operators say rising prices have not affected its popularity.

First Choice marketing manager Denise Hibbert said the island is now attracting clients looking for something different, not just a good deal. “Cuba is not necessarily any cheaper now than Cancun or the Dominican Republic, both of which are competitive but it is still doing well.”

While the majority of UK visitors are still attracted by the island’s beach resorts, a growing number are now interested in Cuba’s culture and history.

“Havana is a big draw and our two-centre holidays combining a beach resort with the capital are now very popular,” added Hibbert.

Panorama said its best-selling package is a twin-centre package combining three nights in Havana with 11 nights in Varadero, the nearest beach resort to the capital.

“One of the reasons for the growth in Cuba’s visitor numbers over the past couple of years is that it offered a cheaper alternative to the Dominican Republic but now people are more aware of its cultural attractions,” said a Panorama spokesman.

Operators say another reason the island has retained its popularity is that the quality of its hotels has improved dramatically.

British Airways Holidays, which criticised hotel standards in Cuba a couple of years ago, added the island to the second edition of its 2000 programme.

Product manager Lesley Rollo said: “We visited the island in September and found standards were excellent.”

BAH is featuring Havana and Varadero and, for 2001, will add the new resorts of Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo and a seven-night cultural tour of the island.

JMC Holidays, which already features Varadero, Santa Lucia, Guardalavaca and Havana, has also added Cayo Coco and Cayo Guillermo for next year, expanding its capacity from 7,000 to 10,000 for 2001.

Group product manager long-haul Alan Lamsdale said:”Prices to these two new resorts are £50 to £150 cheaper than anywhere else in Cuba, so they should do well.”

Although Varadero is the biggest resort in Cuba, First Choice said its top seller this summer is Guardalavaca on the northeast coast.

Nevertheless, First Choice has expanded its programme to Varadero for 2001 by adding the new four-star Iberostar all-inclusive resort, which starts at £939 for two weeks, and the three-star all-inclusive Sol Club Corale, which starts at £1,049 for two weeks.

Factfile

cuba tourist board

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