On Thursday, Cuba received the "Intangible Cultural Heritage Activation Partner Destination 2025" award, granted by China's Meadin Research Institute.
The recognition highlights the island's efforts in preserving and revitalizing its intangible cultural heritage.
During the opening ceremony of the Meadin Culture and Tourism Festival 2025, Elizabeth Vela, Cuba's Tourism Counselor for Asia, affirmed that Cuba stands out as one of the Caribbean's most unique and captivating destinations.
She emphasized that the country's strategic geographical position enhances its role as a premier multi-destination in the region.
Vela recalled that in 2003, Cuba was designated as China's first tourist destination in Latin America, thus opening new avenues for visitors from the Asian giant.
She added that Cuba offers more than just beaches, boasting the world's finest tobacco, high-quality coffee, exquisite rum, and both tangible and internationally acclaimed intangible cultural heritage.
Vela noted that the resumption of direct Air China flights to Cuba, coupled with visa exemptions for Chinese citizens, will significantly facilitate travel and promote multi-destination tourism across Latin America.
She commented that the new "Cuba Única" campaign emphasizes the nation's unique identity, the kindness of its people, and the Revolution's achievements across all social spheres.
She also highlighted that Cuba's defining cultural blend includes a significant Chinese imprint – a historical legacy that cannot be overlooked.
According to the organizers, China's Meadin Research Institute employs a unique data-driven evaluation system for international tourist destinations. This model assesses engagement (market penetration), experience (innovation in visitor experience), ecosystem (ecological synergy), and sustainability.
Based on Chinese tourists' travel preferences and a multidimensional analysis of global destination competitiveness, the MITD identifies and acknowledges destinations that excel in the Chinese market.
Recently, Alberto Blanco, the Caribbean nation's Ambassador to China, highlighted three unique factors fostering tourism cooperation: the complementarity between two socialist nations with no conflicts of interest, Cuba's characteristic stability and safety, and the special affection and historical admiration the Antillean people hold for the Asian giant.
Responding to questions from tour operators, he underscored ongoing efforts to adapt to the cultural and gastronomic preferences of the Asian market.
According to Blanco, the island also acknowledges the importance of deepening Beijing's relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, advocating for a multi-destination tourism model in this regard.
Furthermore, he highlighted the allure of the Caribbean nation's rich culture and the potential for health and nature tourism.
(Taken from Prensa Latina)
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