The first edition in Cuba of the Tourism and Hotel Investment Conferences event successfully concluded, yesterday May 16, in Havana.

According to Luis Miguel Díaz, deputy minister of Tourism (Mintur), the event met expectations with 225 participants from 20 countries in attendance, representing the world's most important hotel chains and outstanding investors in the travel and leisure industry.

The gathering ,which will hold its next edition in Argentina, September 13-14, allowed for an update on investment opportunities, cruise ship visits, and the expansion of flights to Cuba, as well as the latest news on hotels here.

INVESTING IN CUBA

During the event, José Daniel Alonso, Mintur's director of development, Investment, and Business, referred to current investment opportunities in Cuba which include hotel proposals for 19 joint ventures, 75 administration and sales contracts for both new and existing facilities, as well as two contracts for the administration of marinas.

He likewise reported that currently in operation within the country, as of March 2017, are 19 international hotel chains from eight countries, with 82 administration contracts. These companies are managing 41,079 rooms, representing 61.6% of the country's capacity.

Havana City Historian, Eusebio Leal Spengler, was recognized by the SAHIC organizing committee and addressed the gathering, outlining the potential of the country's capital, with its great historical and cultural assets, while noting that the city center is being restored both physically and socially.