The 36th annual FITCuba tourism fair took place May 3 – 6, 2016 at La Cabaña Historical Park, World Heritage Site, and honoured Canada for its 71 years of diplomatic relations with Cuba and strong support of its tourism market.

FITCuba 2016 took place at La Cabaña Historical Park, World Heritage Site.

The fair was dedicated to Cuban culture and highlighted the vibrant and diverse cultural mosaic that makes Cuba and its host city, Havana, so appealing to travellers seeking authentic experiences. The focus was to showcase tourism offerings that extend beyond Cuba’s spectacular beaches.

Some of the restored building in old Havana.

Canadian delegates were hosted at the lovely Melia Habana Cuba.

Melia Habana Cuba.

Media went on a catamaran adventure along the harbour of Havana where the Fathom Adonia was docked. The ship set sail from Miami to Havana on May 1 and is the first cruise ship to sail off the U.S. to Cuba in over half a century.

Media taking a catamaran cruise along the Havana Harbour.

Fathom cruise ship docked in Havana.

At the opening gala night, attendees saw live performances at Havana’s impressive Alicia Alonso Grand Theater. The evening showcased a wide range of Cuba’s musical legacy with performances by major Cuban bands and musicians, including the National Symphonic Orchestra, the Aragón Orchestra and Ópera de la Calle, and a modern musical dance performance.

Live performances at the impressive Havana’s Alicia Alonso Grand Theate

FITCuba was attended by 53 countries and 173 journalists, including 200 travel industry reps from the U.S., making it the largest attendance in its history. Cuba’s Tourism Minister, Manuel Marrero, opened the fair by welcoming guests, which included keynote speaker, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism Canada.

Tourism Minister, Manuel Marrero, and the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Minister of Small Business and Tourism Canada.

Media enjoyed lunch at Almacenes de San Jose brewery with a live musical performance followed by tour of Old Havana’s historical sites which included a stop at the Museum of Rum.

Almacenes de San Jose brewery.

The annual luncheon for Canadian delegates also served as Canada’s honourary lunch and was held at 1830 Restaurant, housed in an old-world mansion built at the beginning of last century. The lunch was attended by Minister Marrero.

Canada’s honorary lunch held at 1830 Restaurant.

Air Transat hosted a cocktail party at the Sevilla Hotel that was attended by Cuba’s Tourism Minister. The views over Central Havana from the venue were spectacular!

Transat Cocktail Party.

Views from Sevilla Hotel.

Media enjoyed a day in Viñales Valley in the Pinar del Rio Province. This World Heritage Site is home to the Mural of Prehistory, cigar plantations, canopy adventures, and magnificent landscapes of lush green cushion mountains.

Canopy adventure in Viñales Valley.

The prehistoric mural.

Media visited Varadero where they were briefed on new developments, followed by lunch at Iberostar Varadero’s La Palapa restaurant. They also swam with dolphins, took a catamaran ride to Cayo Blanco and enjoyed an elegant dinner at the Paradisus’ new Family Concierge section that officially opens Nov. 1, 2016.

Swimming with dolphins.

The lovely Nieves Ricardo in Cayo Blanco.

With such a rich cultural mosaic, Cuba has an abundance of tourism offerings that extend beyond sun, sea and sand.