TORONTO — Cuba is reaffirming its status as a go-to destination for Canadian travelers, aiming to attract 1.1 million visitors from Canada. Gihana Galindo, the newly appointed director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto, expressed confidence in achieving this goal during the Cuba Unica Trade Appreciation Night. “Cuba is back!” she declared, garnering enthusiastic applause from travel advisors and industry professionals.
Joining Galindo was Juan Carlos García Granda, Cuba’s Minister of Tourism, who candidly addressed recent challenges faced by the destination, particularly during the tough 2024-2025 winter season. “The market saw a contraction, making it a challenging winter,” Minister García Granda acknowledged. However, he highlighted that Cuba has developed a robust strategy to address supply chain issues, with hotel companies establishing their own importing firms to ensure consistent service levels.
Cuba is gearing up for a successful winter season in 2025-2026, with many tour operators expressing optimism. “We believe this winter will be a prosperous one,” said Minister García Granda. Historically, Canada has been Cuba’s top source market, with 2015 marking a record year when 1.3 million Canadians visited the island. The importance of this market will be highlighted at FITCuba 2026, where Canada will be the guest of honor.
“Many Canadians consider Cuba their second home. We are committed to ensuring exceptional experiences for every visitor,” stated Minister García Granda. He also noted that winter bookings have already seen a 25% increase compared to last year, showcasing the dedication of travel advisors and partners.
Havana, Cuba
Infrastructure and Supply Chain Improvements
Cuba’s hotel and resort sector, boasting 85,458 rooms, is prepared for the influx of Canadian tourists. Minister García Granda reported effective evacuation measures taken ahead of Hurricane Melissa, as over 600,000 individuals were safely relocated, including 1,980 Canadians. “Beaches have been restored, and services are back to normal,” he confirmed.
New Flight Connections
The appreciation event, held at Illuminarium Toronto in the Distillery District, featured key announcements that are set to benefit travel advisors and visitors. WestJet will introduce direct flights from Toronto to Havana starting on December 18, 2025, running through April 23, 2026, with services every Thursday and Sunday. Additionally, new direct routes to Cienfuegos and Cayo Largo del Sur are launching in December and January, respectively.
New Partnerships and Amenities
Cuba has recently welcomed several international hotel management groups to diversify and enhance its offerings:
- Domina Hotels (Italy): Managing existing properties and new openings in Havana.
- Vila Galé Hotels (Portugal): Expanding operations with three additional properties including Vila Galé Cayo Santa Maria.
- Gaviota Hotels: Launching new luxury and family-oriented sections across major resorts.
Active travelers can look forward to dedicated sports facilities, including pickleball courts in popular destinations and a specialized kitesurfing club at the Iberostar Daiquiri Hotel in Cayo Guillermo. For long-stay visitors, promotional packages are available for extended stays in Varadero and Havana, featuring perks like personalized check-ins and discounts.
Romantic travelers can benefit from updated wedding packages that include exclusive benefits. Overall, significant improvements have been made across various facilities, including major renovations at prestigious hotels like Sol Palmeras, Meliá Varadero, and Iberostar Origin Taínos.
Varadero, Cuba
