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ALEJANDRO VARELA, UNWTO DEPUTY REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR THE AMERICAS, DELIVERED A LECTURE WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF CUBA’S INTERNATIONAL TOURISM FAIR, FITCUBA 2017, HELD IN HOLGUIN

In exclusive statements given to Excelencias magazine, the top executive highlighted the important of airlift in the Caribbean, the relation between Cuba and the Dominican Republic as complementary destinations, and the International Year of Sustainable Tourism.

What does the UNWTO make of the tourism boom in Cuba?
The UNWTO respects and highly appreciates everything the Tourism Ministry of Cuba is doing. I think that this is a very special moment, not only due to the normalization with the United States, but also because of the valuable work that has been carried out. It’s important to underscore that. Circumstances did not make Cuba reach the position it presently holds. Cuba has done a great job and it deserves its position.

What is your opinion about multidestination in the Caribbean region?
It would be great. It would be a tremendous opportunity for the Caribbean, but regrettably there is no possible multidestination without airlift, and that airlift is basic in the Caribbean. We are still facing these problems, since it is very difficult to travel from one island to the next one. You mainly have to travel to Miami in order to have a combination with other islands or you can go on an island-to-island flight that can take a whole day. Offering a good multidestination product entails having the proper airlift.

Some people see some sort of competition between Cuba and the Dominican Republic…
That’s a far cry from reality, since they complement each other. People travel to one destination and they later want to go to any other place. Most visitors do not come to only one place. You not only see this reality in the Caribbean, but it also happens around the world. What do people do when traveling to Europe? They arrive in Paris and then go to Germany or Netherlands, and then Belgium comes next. They make the most of circumstances and the chances to travel within the region. Different destinations or regions should not be seen as competitors, but as complementary attractions.

How about visa requirements in the region?
According to our research, the Caribbean is one of the best regions in terms of visa requirements.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I specifically want to underline the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. It is a must-do for all of us, from the public sector to private sector, so we can truly feel what having sustainable tourism means, based on economic development, understanding, cultural values, peace, and so much more.