Havana - Cuban Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero highlighted the significance of the 20th International Wine Festival which opened today at Havana's Hotel Nacional.

Marrero attended the opening of the Festival on Wednesday (in session through October 4), and expressed his satisfaction on the continuity of the event, as representatives of 13 renowned companies and 40 wineries are present.

The Cuban minister noted the great significance for the country of such events, despite the harsh measures imposed by the US against Cuba, as they prove the vitality of the island's tourism sector.

Despite US measures to attack Cuba's tourism and the recent bankruptcy of British firm Thomas Cook - the second largest tour operator to Cuba - the sector continues to grow, he stressed.

Wineries from Europe and Latin America attend the Festival, including Melgarejo, Brisan Exportaciones Internacional S.A, and Artesanías Modas Panamá S.A.

In addition, wine companies such as D'Italia, Cata Chile, Bodegas Joan Sardá, Desarmar Panamá S.A., UCSA Freixenet S.A., Duprasa, Camax Chile, EuroCuba-Italia, Havana Club International S.A., and Bodegas Miguel Torres are also present.