Tourist flow to Cuba is stable

According to the Border Service of the Russian Federation, last year 119 thousand Russians visited Cuba - 26% more than in 2018. Operators connect the growth of tourist flow primarily with an increase of charter transportation.

The Caribbean Club Company noted that the closure of China led to a surge of interest in South and Central America, primarily in Mexico and Cuba. But the cost of tours is not comparable, the tourism director Lada Popelo and her colleague said: “Vietnam or China cost about 977 Euros for two persons, and in Cuba a similar tour will cost 1 833 Euros. Now the dollar has also risen sharply, which also affects the prices."

The expert does not note growth in volumes to Cuba, the destination is being sold at a stable level, like a year ago. “We fly on regular flights, so there’s no need to talk about growth,” she said. For example, a ten-day vacation for two persons with an Aeroflot ticket and accommodation at a 4-star hotel will cost 1 955 Euros, and on a charter flight it will cost 1 222 Euros.

TUI Russia last winter offered packages only on regular flights to Cuba. This season, the operator has launched a charter program from Moscow to Santa Clara Airport – the flights started from the beginning of November 2019 and will last until mid-May. “The program is successful, the depth is until the May holidays,” says Tatyana Korshunova, senior public relations manager. The possibility of resuming of the charter program for the next winter season is already planned in the company.