CubaPLUS Magazine

If there is one food that is universally adored, it is undoubtedly chocolate. International statistics suggest that over 90 percent of the global population consumes at least one kilogram of this product annually.

Spanish hotel groups Meliá, Iberostar, and Barceló have terminated their operations in Cuba. The withdrawal is a direct result of mounting operational constraints on the island stemming from the latest U.S. sanctions, which now target Cuba's Ministry of Tourism. A statement released this week by Meliá Hotels International announced that, effective Friday, July 24, the company will cease all operations on the island due to "significant operational, legal, economic, and financial difficulties" arising from the U.S. embargo.

Cuban sports legend Alberto Juantorena was honored during the Centro Caribe Sports centennial gala, held in the Dominican Republic as part of the events surrounding the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games, official sources confirmed today. Dominican President Luis Abinader presented the organization's prestigious "Athlete of the Centennial" award to Juantorena, a double Olympic champion in the 400m and 800m track events. The honor was accepted on his behalf by Roberto León Richards, President of the Cuban Olympic Committee.

Today, Cayo Largo del Sur offers more than enough reason to visit Cuba, thanks to its pristine nature, quiet intimacy, and perfect appeal for travelers seeking tranquility and solitude. This sentiment, shared by tour guides and promoted by the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur), reflects a destination whose natural promise transcends economic challenges and external skepticism. Once a remote and untouched corner of Cuba, Cayo Largo’s vibrant colors, pristine beaches, and hidden coves have long made it a prime destination for both tourism and environmental conservation.

To fully appreciate the National Museum of Decorative Arts, one must first appreciate the mansion that houses it. The building itself is an architectural masterpiece, making a visit to the museum a true experience of "art within art." Built between 1924 and 1927, the beautiful mansion was originally envisioned as a French-style residence. However, two Cuban architects ultimately took charge of the project, culminating in a magnificent eclectic-style estate.

Today, the Santiago de Cuba Carnival continues to define the cultural, traditional, and tourism landscape of the island’s eastern region. Despite ongoing economic challenges, the event remains deeply embedded in the collective identity of the Cuban people. The eastern province of Santiago de Cuba is famous for its carnivals and other festivals, such as the Fire Festival (Fiesta del Fuego). These vibrant celebrations showcase a unique Caribbean character, characterized by the color, warmth, and charisma of the local population.

As an explosion of color and joy, the Charangas of Bejucal in Mayabeque stand out today as one of Cuba’s most internationally renowned traditional festivals. Despite the island's economic hardships, this celebration remains deeply rooted in the nation's collective memory and cultural heritage, making it a legacy well worth highlighting.

With just three days to go before the cauldron is lit once more in Santo Domingo, the city is poised to host the centennial edition of the Central American and Caribbean Games (CACGs)—a landmark event that stands as a symbol of regional integration through sports. Athletic venues are undergoing final preparations, and since the weekend, the Dominican capital has been welcoming thousands of athletes, coaches, judges, officials, and visitors arriving for the tournament.

Agritourism has become a top preference for travelers visiting Cuba today, with a prime example found at the Patria sugar mill in the island’s central region. Despite the economic challenges facing the nation, this burgeoning travel segment is highly popular among visitors seeking educational experiences and quiet intimacy on their vacations.

As a defining landmark of Cuban tourism, Havana’s Capitol Building (El Capitolio) has achieved legendary status, with travelers from around the globe flocking to capture a photograph on its grand steps. Its majestic dome shapes the skyline of this cosmopolitan city. Despite the economic challenges currently facing the nation, the building stands proud, housing the glittering diamond that marks Kilometer Zero of Cuba's national highway system.

According to the National Cultural Heritage Council, an agency under the Ministry of Culture, Cuba boasts 338 museums. While each offers fascinating collections, one that consistently captures the imagination of travelers is undoubtedly the Taquechel Pharmacy Museum, a beautiful tribute to the country’s pharmacological history.

El Nicho Natural Park, a lush sanctuary nestled in the Guamuhaya massif, captivates ecotourism enthusiasts with its cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear natural pools, and extraordinary biodiversity in the central Cuban province of Cienfuegos.

The Havana Club Rum Museum, located in the heart of Havana, is an iconic destination that celebrates the rich tradition and history of one of the island’s most quintessential beverages: rum. This unique museum does more than showcase the production process; it offers an immersive experience into Cuban culture and its deep-seated connection to this storied spirit.

A unique runway show fusing three distinct names from the fashion world—Vita Kará, jeweler Jorge Oliva, and the Mevo Modeling Company—marked a major cultural event last weekend, showcasing their respective designs to an appreciative crowd.

On Wednesday, the Gibara International Poor Film Festival inaugurated two visual arts exhibitions, an event that reinforces the cultural exchange and resilience of the region.

The Puerto Esperanza Nautical Center is the latest addition to Cuba’s tourism portfolio in the western province of Pinar del Río, blending adventure, sun-and-sand attractions, and rich natural heritage.

We recently explored cultural tourism as one of the most widespread travel trends globally. Today, we continue this discussion, focusing in the coming days on cultural travel in Cuba—an island boasting a wealth of fascinating sites that heritage and art enthusiasts should not miss.

Nestled within the Sierra Maestra mountain range in the eastern province of Granma, Turquino National Park is one of Cuba’s premier natural treasures. It is renowned for its breathtaking biodiversity, rugged mountain landscapes, and rich cultural history. Most notably, the park is named after Pico Turquino—the highest point on the island, standing at an elevation of 1,974 meters above sea level—making it a highly sought-after destination for mountaineers and nature lovers alike.

Cultural tourism has firmly established itself as a mainstream vacation trend worldwide, according to recent travel industry analyses and market reports. This segment has become a primary driving force behind the global travel industry in 2026, moving beyond superficial "postcard tourism" to embrace authentic immersion and sustainable growth. The global tourism landscape is undergoing a profound transformation this year, with cultural tourism emerging as its most dynamic sector. What once consisted of standard visits to museums and monuments is evolving into a quest for experiences that connect travelers with living heritage and local communities.

Cuba has established its first agritourism network, initially comprising 18 farms in the western province of Pinar del Río. These properties primarily focus on tobacco cultivation, livestock farming, and diversified crop production.