UNWTO Praises Cuban Tourism Industry Development

Taleb Rifai, the secretary general of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has praised the development of the Cuban tourism industry. Rifai was taking part in the 36th International FITCUBA Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2016), which takes place from May 3rd to 7th, and also in the 60th Meeting of the UNWTO Commission for the Americas, which is taking place for two days in Havana.

During a session at the Havana Libre Hotel, Rifai said that the path chosen by the Cuban authorities to develop the national tourism industry was quite effective.

He reminded his listeners, that almost 1.2 billion people traveled worldwide last year and this year 1.8 million are expected to travel.

He also talked about the links between Cuba and Canada in the tourism sector and highlighted that both nations are in the correct place and moment to develop this sphere.

Rifai reported the satisfaction that he felt when walking in Old Havana and said that culture and tourism are two extremely important aspects for the present and the future.

Rifai also pointed out that Cuba is a very happy, beautiful country, which despite having many difficulties and challenges, will be able to make a financial success of tourism.

FITCuba 2016 is dedicated to culture as a product, to Havana as a tourist destination and to Canada as the guest of honor.

Cuba received and took care of more than 3.5 million foreign visitors last year.

FITCuba 2016 is being attended by more than 2,000 people from 53 countries for a week.