Zoom in

Rafael Rivero, Chairman of the Expo Varadero 2002 Organizing Committee0.

Zoom in

Vice minister of tourism Martha Maiz

Zoom in

Lester Felipe Oliva, MINTUR Delegate in Matanzas

Expo Varadero 2002 has come to a close. The world-class beach hosted last Sept. 10 through 13 its annual tradeshow that, as put by Martha Maiz, Cuba's vice minister of tourism, singled itself out from the four previous editions for both its quality and diversity.

This time around, attending goods and service providers tallied 75 in all and showcased their items in 60 stands arranged at the tradeshow's traditional fairground: the Plaza America Conference Center.

Most manufacturing and marketing firms hailed from the province of Matanzas, with the remaining companies representing Havana, Ciego de Avila, Villa Clara and Cienfuegos. Foreigners were represented by Freixenet and Castrol.

But the real stuff about this tradeshow in Matanzas was the signing of 70 contracts and 196 letters of intention for over $1.2 billion worth of commercial transactions.

Culture –an essential factor ingrained in tourism- set up its own stand where several institutions displayed their samples. The attendance of Matanzas' poetess Carilda Oliver Labra (National Prize of Literature in 1997) to the award-presenting ceremony underscored culture's importance in all branches of our island nation's daily life.

Another point worth mentioning is the presence of Caribbean Tourist Excellencies at the fair. As the tradition goes, the magazine's latest issue was doled out among attendants and participants to the tradeshow by our beautiful stewardesses.

In his closing remarks, Rafael Rivero Jerez, director of Cuba's Chamber of Commerce Office in Matanzas, said: “The tradeshow is a useful tool. Its success hinges on many factors. The key to success is the continuation of enterprises' search in this natural tourist market.”

Expo Varadero 2002 Awards

For best product quality: -Sausages by Bravo S.A. -Grapefruits by Matanzas' Victoria de Giron Citrus Fruit Compound. -Mulata Rum quarters by Tecnoazucar, Havana. -Automatic fermenting machine by Varadero's Hotel Engineering. -Rubber membrane by Matanzas' Enterprise of Architecture and Engineering Projects. -Passoa Liquor by Freixenet. -Super Multi 15W-40 oil by Matanzas' Cubalub. -5-year-old Dulce Palma Rum by El Valle, Pinar del Rio. -Piñata Supreme ready-made dispenser beverage by Coracan S.A. -Carbonated sodas by Los Portales S.A. -Women's wear by Matanzas' Unimoda.

For best design: -Tecnoazucar -Los Portales S.A.