Cuban Tourism Minister Highlights Baracoa’s Potential as Destination in Eastern Cuba

Cuban Tourism Minister Highlights Baracoa’s Potential as Destination in Eastern Cuba
By Mayte Hernandez

Baracoa is a powerhouse that harbors many interesting elements for tourism, such as its historical values, traditions, culture, nature and its charming and genuine people, Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero told CND within the framework of the launch of Guantanamo-Baracoa destination as part of the celebrations for the 500th anniversary of the village.

The official underscored that this is a special opportunity to relaunch the destination as its potential reaches beyond sun and beach.

He stressed that the process also includes increasing and improving hotel infrastructure, which already counts on 399 rooms, and not only develops hotel options but also the accommodation capacity provided by the private sector in town, which is being welcomed by tourists.

Mr. Marrero pointed out tours through amazing natural sites are ranked among the most famous attractions for tourism, which last year exceeded the number of 44,000 visitors.

The special issue of Excelencias Turisticas del Caribe y las Americas magazine, dedicated to Baracoa, was unveiled during the event. Mr. Jose Carlos de Santiago, president of Grupo Excelencias, spelled out the importance of shedding light on destinations with such natural and historical beauties that seduce visitors and invite them to come back.

He stressed the need for promotion works to be creative, accurate and truly show the attractions of each site. He added that this work is also part of the preservation of Cuba’s heritage and thanked the support provided by the Cuban government and the collaboration of international organizations.

The launch of the destination, held at the city’s Encanto movie theater, was attended by Esteban Lazo, Vice president of the State and Ministers councils of Cuba, along with senior government officials and outstanding figures of culture, as well as members of the diplomatic corps stationed on the island and representatives of international organizations.

The book Baracoa: Cuna del Cacao was launched on Monday afternoon by the city historian Alejandro Hartmann, who described the volume as an adventure and history approach to this fruit and the traditions in terms of chocolate production and consumption, a typical food in the region.

A special mass was offered to pay tribute to the foundation of Our Lady of Asuncion de Baracoa while a solemn meeting was held at the historic City Hall Square.