Havana, May 1, 2025.- With the presence of Manuel Marrero Cruz, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba and Prime Minister, the 43rd edition of the International Tourism Fair, FITCuba 2025, was officially inaugurated this Wednesday in Havana.

From April 30 to May 3, the historic Morro-Cabaña Military Park in the capital is the venue for the country’s premier tourism event, which on this occasion pays tribute to Cuban traditions and welcomes the People’s Republic of China as Guest Country of Honor.

In his address to attendees, the Prime Minister highlighted the ties between Cuba and China and the potential for expanding bilateral exchange in this sector, particularly in light of the visa facilitation policy and the establishment of direct flights between the two countries.

He underscored the priority placed on the tourism sector within the government’s agenda to correct distortions and revitalize the economy, as well as the impact that the tightening of the blockade and media campaigns aimed at discrediting the Cuba destination have had on the sector’s performance.

The Prime Minister invited participating businesspeople to develop joint ventures and continue promoting Cuba as a tourist destination. Despite the challenges it faces, the country remains firmly committed to this industry. Reviving and developing tourism in Cuba is vital for economic growth, he added, explaining that it is a source of foreign currency and essential resources needed for the nation’s takeoff and to improve the lives of its people.

FITCuba’s opening day this Wednesday was marked by a display of tradition and protocol. In the iconic Nicolás Guillén Hall of the San Carlos de la Cabaña fortress, the inaugural speeches were delivered, followed by performances by Cuban and Chinese artists. The event continued with the symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Birch Arbor and an official tour of the various stands, including those of China and the ALBA-TCP member countries.

Yanet Hernández Pérez, Governor of Havana, welcomed the fair’s participants and emphasized that the designation of the People’s Republic of China as Guest Country of Honor not only reflects the special friendship between both nations, but also forms part of the celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Cuba.

Minister of Tourism Juan Carlos García Granda highlighted the importance of this event as a catalyst in challenging times. FITCuba 2025 positions itself not only as a platform to strengthen ties with China—a promising source market—but also to reaffirm the country’s commitment to key partners such as Canada and the rest of Latin America, he noted.