In statements to local media during the 42nd International Tourism Fair, FITCuba 2024, which will be taking place until May 5, the head of State recalled that the so-called locomotive of Cuba’s economy has been developing under very severe conditions.
First, because within the media intoxication by the empire, there is an attack on tourism for income and in terms of economic development for our country.
The intensified blockade measures mainly aimed at the smokeless industry are absurd, arrogant and perverse, including the ban on US citizens to visit Cuba, and the closure of cruise services, he said.
Díaz-Canel added that now they add the manipulation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for Europeans, which prevents them from visiting the United States if they had visited Cuba.
We have evidence of pressure against financial, tourism and travel agencies, as well as airlines and suppliers, he assured.
This is in order to prevent the development of tourism under normal conditions.
In Díaz-Canel’s opinion, the US Government is afraid of Cuba’s well-being and economic development enhanced by an industry with highly qualified people at international levels.
It also has to do with Cuba’s relations with international hotel groups that remain in Cuba despite pressure.
The president noted that Meliá is one of the chains whose directors are banned from visiting the United States. These are coercive measures that build walls of pressure, and are inconceivable for the better world that we all want.
Despite difficulties, we have development prospects, there are potentials and the main one is natural beauty, our culture in the broadest sense is our people. It is a friendly people who know how to share with tourists who are open, sincere, honest, affable and affectionate, Díaz-Canel considered.
In Cuban president’s opinion, the next tourism fair, in addition to the provincial product, might be oriented to community tourism and local tourism, which in turn becomes a source of autonomous and authentic development of the country’s communities.
Taking advantage of the benefits offered by rural, city, ecological, historic, cultural and sun and beach offers improves the quality of life of the communities and helps counteract media pressures.
FITCuba is attended by 68 countries, more than 1,000 foreigners and a wide representation of hotel chains, suppliers, airlines, travel agencies, tour operators and, of course, representatives of Cuba’s business community in these same areas who are part of the country’s tourism development.
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