Cuba has taken a significant step towards strengthening its ties with China by announcing a visa-free policy for Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports, effective this month. This move, unveiled by Tourism Minister Juan Carlos Garcia during the 42nd Cuban International Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2024) in Cayo Coco, marks a new chapter in Sino-Cuban relations.
Alongside the visa exemption, Cuba revealed that China will be the guest of honor at the Cuban Tourism Festival 2025. Moreover, direct flights between the two nations are set to resume on May 17, as confirmed by Air China in a recent press conference in Beijing.
Garcia emphasized the mutual agreement to enhance relations across various sectors, particularly tourism. \"Both sides agreed on the need to create conditions and atmosphere for strengthening relations in all areas, including tourism,\" he stated.
The anticipation for increased tourism comes after Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero's visit to China last November, where he expressed optimism for record-breaking numbers of Chinese tourists following the resumption of direct flights.
Tourism remains a cornerstone of Cuba's economy. As of April 26, the country has welcomed over 1 million international tourists in 2023, with expectations to reach 3.5 million in 2024. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Chinese tourists to Cuba was growing at an impressive average annual rate of 23% from 2010 to 2019.
Miguel Diaz-Canel, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and president of the country, highlighted the importance of tourism in Cuba's 2030 development plan. He anticipates that the sector will achieve greater success than in 2019, reinforcing its role as a primary economic driver.
China stands as Cuba's largest trading partner in goods, with trade reaching approximately $862 million in 2023. The bilateral relationship has been further solidified through mutual visa exemptions for diplomatic and official passport holders since January 2021, and a Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2020 to bolster tourism cooperation and sustainable tourism initiatives.
For travelers eager to explore Cuba, Lonely Planet recommends top destinations such as Havana for art and architecture, Valle de Vinales for dramatic landscapes, and Varadero for pristine beaches, among others. These attractions are set to welcome a surge of Chinese visitors eager to experience Cuba's rich culture and natural beauty.
Reference(s):
Cuba announces unilateral visa exemption for Chinese citizens
cgtn.com
