TORONTO — Cuba has long been a favourite from this market – and the destination is working hard to keep it that way with a renewed commitment to the Canadian travel industry, and Canadian travellers.

“Our goal is 1.1 million Canadians and I’m confident we’ll achieve it. Our commitment is absolute,” said Gihana Galindo, who recently took over the reins as the Cuba Tourist Board’s director in Toronto.

Speaking to travel advisors, suppliers and media at yesterday’s Cuba Unica Trade Appreciation Night, she added, “Cuba is back!”, to loud applause.

Galindo was joined by Cuba’s Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García Granda, as co-hosts of the event. Minister Garcia Granda spoke candidly about the destination’s challenges in recent years, especially the supply issues that plagued the 2024-2025 winter season.

“We saw a contraction of the market. It was a very difficult winter,” said the Minister.

Now, he said, “we have a strategy. The hotel companies created their own companies to bring in supplies.”

The establishment of the new foreign and domestic importing companies and new wholesale ‘Cash and Carry’ stores ensures efficient supply chains to maintain high service standards across all hotels.

With the new plan in place, and with plenty of support from tour operator partners in attendance last night for a mini-trade show, Cuba is ready to woo Canadians back. “We do believe 2025-2026 will be a good winter. We have a lot of expectations for this winter,” said Minister García Granda.

CUBA’S TOP SOURCE MARKET: CANADA

Cuba’s best year from Canada was 2015, with 1.3 million visitors.

As the top source market for Cuba, Canada gets its fair share of attention from the destination. FITCuba 2026, taking place in Varadero May 6 – 10, will be dedicated to Canada as the guest of honour.

“Canadians are our most valued clients and friends; many consider Cuba their second home,” said Minister García Granda. “We are dedicated to ensuring that every visitor experience is exceptional, and that we continue to provide the quality service and unique offerings that keep our Canadian friends returning year after year.”

Galindo added that winter bookings are already up 25% compared to last year, “a result that highlights the dedication of our travel partners and travel advisors’ community.”

Havana, Cuba

POST-MELISSA UPDATE

Cuba’s hotels and resorts, with 85,458 rooms, are ready for Canadians, and properties are in good shape despite a hit from Hurricane Melissa. Minister García Granda told Travelweek that Cuba evacuated 600,000 people ahead of the Cat. 4 storm last month, including 1,980 Canadians.

“After Melissa the beaches were cleaned up and everything is back to normal,” he added.

NEW FLIGHTS AND MORE

Last night’s event, held at Illuminarium Toronto in the Distillery District, included several key announcements relevant for travel advisors, suppliers and travellers to Cuba.

WestJet is launching new direct air connections from Toronto, a development highlighted by Minister García Granda.

WestJet’s direct flights Toronto-Havana start Dec. 18, 2025 and run through April 23, 2026 (Thursdays and Sundays). Plus, direct Cienfuegos flights via WestJet/Sunwing Vacations start Dec. 10, and direct Cayo Largo del Sur flights via WestJet/Sunwing Vacations start Jan. 20.

On the hotel front, Cuba has welcomed several new international hotel management partners …

• Domina Hotels (Italy): Managing properties including Domina Marina Varadero and future openings in Havana
• Vila Galé Hotels (Portugal): Expanding management with three new properties: Vila Galé Cayo Santa Maria, Vila Galé Express Park View and Vila Galé Tropical Varadero
• New brands: Gaviota Hotels is introducing ‘Playa Luxury’ (luxury-focused sections) and ‘Playa Kids’ (family-focused spaces), available at several major resorts

Looking to cater more to active travellers, Cuba has new facilities for popular sports, including dedicated pickleball courts available in all major destinations (eg. Varadero, Holguin) and a specialized kitesurfing club opening at the Iberostar Daiquiri Hotel in Cayo Guillermo.

Long-stay visitors will find added-value promotions for stays of 15 nights or more at select villas in Varadero and Havana, including personalized check-in/out and discounts on services.

Cuba is also all-in for romantic travel, with updated symbolic wedding packages with exclusive benefits.

Last night’s event also offered a look at Cuba’s infrastructure and operational improvements.

Major renovations have been completed across key facilities for the winter season, including the Sol Palmeras, Meliá Varadero and Iberostar Origin Taínos.

Meanwhile popular destination Cayo Santa Maria now offers the ‘Santa Maria All In’ concept, providing all-inclusive access to the local plazas (Gallery, Las Dunas and The One Collection), including bowling alleys, discos and restaurants.

Varadero, Cuba