TORONTO — With Hurricane Melissa bearing down as a Category 5 storm, the Cuba Tourist Board has confirmed the temporary closure of airports in Santiago de Cuba and Holguin on Oct. 28 and Oct. 29 to ensure the safety of visitors and facilities.

“In accordance with the National Civil Defense, Cuba authorities have implemented organizational measures to safeguard tourists, staff, and facilities in the eastern part of the country in anticipation of Hurricane Melissa,” says a statement issued by the Cuba Tourist Board, which represents the Ministry of Tourism in Canada.

Precautionary actions have been taken at the airports in Santiago de Cuba and Holguin which will be temporarily closed on Tuesday, October 28, and Wednesday, October 29.

“The safety of our clients is paramount,” said Gihana Galindo, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board. “Cuba is experienced in dealing with natural disasters, and we have an immediate organizational structure in place to respond to this climatological event. Our internationally recognized Civil Defense is coordinating all necessary human and material resources to protect the population and infrastructure.”

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to pass through the southeastern part of Cuba, affecting the provinces of Guantanamo, Santiago de Cuba, Granma and Holguín on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

All other popular tourist destinations, including Jardines del Rey (Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Paredon, and Cayo Cruz), Varadero, Cayo Santa María, Cayo Largo del Sur, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad, are operating normally, according to the tourist board.