| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 28/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 30 |
| Copyright: Other |
rep’s report
Brett Havard: Panorama rep in Varadero
Brett Havard is working his secondseason as a rep for Panorama at Varadero, Cuba’s largest beach resort. We asked Brett, 32, for the low-down on life in Varadero – is it all salsa, margaritas and cigars or does he have to work hard for his pesos?
n Have there been many changes in Varadero since you first arrived?All-inclusive properties tend to destroy resort centres but here the state is trying to avoid that and is building facilities outside the hotels, such as a ten-pin bowling alley.
The state also seems to be smartening up the resort. For example, it is revamping street signs – little things like that will make the town a more attractive place.
Last year we were getting lots of bad press because of all the building work that has been going on here. This year there is the same amount of building work but we haven’t had the same bad publicity. One other thing I have noticed is the change in client profile – last year most of the guests were 30 to 35 years of age and couples. This year there is quite a marked difference – there are more people in their twenties and many are under 25s.
Guests often want to know if it is safe here. Somehow, because it’s a communist state, they think it is going to be unsafe. I admit you wouldn’t leave your valuables on the beach but you wouldn’t do thatanywhere. The crime rateis very low and and you can walk around on your own at night.
There are three or four main cultural trips that people want to go on.
The most popular is the day trip to Havana which costs £80 including a meal and a night at the Tropicana Show, a cabaret that is staged outdoors and is in its 61st year.
There is also an overnight excursion where guests get the opportunity to see the heart of Cuba and visit Trinidad, Sien Fuegoes and Santa Clara. It costs £80 which includes an overnight stay in the mountains and two full days’ sightseeing plus all meals.
The biggest challenge of this job is fitting the British way of doing things into the Cuban way of life. It can be stressful working here because things happen very slowly. It’s the ‘mañana’ syndrome. The phones don’t always work and there are sometimes power cuts. Part of our job is to persuade the Cubans that it is important for us to be on time to meet guests and so on. On the other hand, we also have to explain to guests that this isn’t Europe and they can’t expect things to happen immediately.
We don’t tend to get silly requests. People are often shocked at the poverty here. There is a real two-tier system with rich tourists and poor locals living side by side. The average wage is $12 a month. Last year a bank wouldn’t accept a Scottish note – one guest just couldn’t believe that.
Losing electricity for two weeks was quite stressful. We had to change office and set up a temporary base. If there’s one thing I have realised, it’s that this place certainly makes you self-sufficient.
One couple arrived who we thought were on their honeymoon but it turned out that they were expecting to get married in the resort. Secretly we thought the chances of them tying the knot were slim. But it turned out they had arranged everything themselves from the UK so there wasn’t a problem. I was asked to be best man and we all had a great time.
This place is not suited to people who want a 24-hour drinking holiday. Also agents should urge their customers to visit before it gets spoilt. Jamaica will be the same in five years’ time but Cuba will not. I believe that as soon as the Americans are allowed into this country, it will change beyond recognition.
n What has been the most commonquestion from guests this season?
n What’s the most popular excursion from Varadero this season?
n What has been your biggest challenge this season and how did you deal with it?
n What’s the silliest request you’ve had from a client?
n What’s your worst moment?
n And your best?
n What would your advice be to agents who may be booking holidays in Varadero for clients?
Varadero: tourists discover life moves at a slow pace