Cuban tourism in the “new normality”: seven questions and answers

Cuban tourism in the “new normality”: seven questions and answers

It was expected, but not for that reason it was less shocking: on March 11th, Cuba reported the first three cases of COVID-19 in its territory. Four months later, the good news arrived: the small Caribbean nation proved the effectiveness of its strategy to control the pandemic and is already entering the so-called “new normal”, reviving activities that went through a necessary pause during this period.

Thus, the opportunities to discover, together with family, partner or friends, the unique spots of the largest island of the Antilles are back.

At Meliá Cuba we have received many questions about the recovery of tourism in the island. Today we want to answer the most frequent concerns, but if you have any questions leave us a comment and we will be happy to answer you.

  1. I live in Cuba, what tourist places can I visit and how to do it?

If you are a resident on the island, you can enjoy of your vacations in any of the destinations which opening has been announced by the Ministry of Tourism: Varadero, Holguín, Trinidad, among others. The cays with tourist infrastructure are excepted in this first stage.

You can make your reservations at the sales offices of national travel agencies (Havanatur, Viajes Cubanacán, Cubatur, Gaviota Tours, Ecotur and Viajes San Cristóbal) or directly at the hotel of your choice. If you have already decided on Meliá Cuba, contact us and we will tell you about our offers.

  1. And if I come from abroad, what destinations are available?

At the moment, the wonderful cays of the archipelago. Cayo Santa María, Cayo Coco, Cayo Guillermo, Cayo Cruz and Cayo Largo del Sur are ready to welcome you. Find out all the details through your travel agent.

Cayo Santa María
  1. What activities can I do in the cays? Will it be possible to make excursions to other places?

Countless proposals have been developed in the Cuban cays for you to enjoy a fantastic stay. If you prefer to be active and on the move, hiking, water sports, jeep safaris, diving or snorkeling, catamaran trips, dolphinariums, shops specializing in products full of Cuban products, including car rental, will be at your disposal: so, you can be the guide of your vacations, what do you think?

On the other hand, if you are looking for relaxation and calmness, you will not miss spectacular beaches to recreate with the sun, the sound of the waves and the immensity of the blue sky; spas and wellness centers that have a huge range of treatments aimed at making you feel like new; restaurants where you can discover new and fascinating flavors … You choose!

During the first stage of the post-COVID-19 recovery in Cuba, international travelers will not be able to move from the cays to other regions of the country. However, we recommend that you stay connected with Meliá Cuba, as we will be continuously reporting on the news announced by the island’s health authorities.

  1. What are the Meliá hotels that are available if I want to book now?

Our hotels have started to reopen their doors according to a strict security schedule. In Varadero, we have already received guests at Sol Palmeras and Meliá Internacional Varadero (these two facilities are focused on domestic tourism). On the other hand, in the cays we have started with Meliá Las Dunas in Cayo Santa María and we will continue with more surprises very soon, so stay alert!

  1. What requirements related to the prevention of COVID -19 must I meet if I go to Cuba as a tourist?

You must fill the Traveler’s Health Declaration (Mod. 82-32) form as an affidavit of your state of health. Likewise, you will undergo a temperature control and a PCR when you arrive at a Cuban airport.

  1. How does Meliá guarantee my wellbeing?

Your well-being is our priority. For this reason, we have worked hard to introduce the hygiene and safety standards that we develop internationally through the Stay Safe with Meliá program in all our hotels. We have taken into account the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the Ministries of Health and Tourism of Cuba.

We want you to find a different hotel with us: more welcoming, safer, but with the same joy in all its spaces. Each of our employees has protection means such as masks, disinfectant or any other that their tasks require. We also offer training courses on new health protocols and adapt our facilities to comply with physical distancing measures. We work on the digitization of several of our services so that you can have a personalized experience.

Very important: in all our hotels, a team from the prestigious Cuban health system will watch over your health.

https://youtu.be/BQ97DvwpeUQ

  1. Is it really safe to travel to Cuba? Worth it?

Well of course! This country preserves the thousands of attractions that have made it one of the most requested destinations in the Caribbean. Its natural landscapes, its beaches, its cities and the hospitality of its people are the best guarantee of an unforgettable experience. Take the proper precautions, follow the safety recommendations and trust Cuba and Meliá for the rest. The time has come … we can meet again!