CUBA: Boost In Tourism With Beijing-Havana Flights

Cuban officials are anticipating a boost in tourism when direct flights begin between Beijing, China and Havana, later this year.

Cuba’s deputy Tourism Minister Mayra Alvarez says the flights, scheduled to begin on December 27, will lead to the increase of Chinese tourists to Cuba, Latin American and the Caribbean.

Alvarez, who recently participated in an Air China promotional event, said China is the 17th major source of visitors to her country.

Meanwhile, Air China’s marketing manager He Zhigang announced that the first direct flight to Havana will make a technical stop-over in Montreal before arriving here next month.

The direct connection, which will use a Boeing 777-300ER three times a week, will be key to promoting Chinese tourism to Havana, Alvarez noted.
According to official statistics, over 22,000 Chinese tourists travelled to Cuba between January to November 2014.