Cuba is a safe destination, capable of construction and defense against major natural events like the one that recently affected the eastern part of the country, stated Cuban Minister of Tourism Juan Carlos García Granda.
Speaking on the television program "Mesa Redonda" (Round Table), broadcast daily on national television, García Granda remarked, "We were able to demonstrate to the world that we are trained and that we take the protection of human lives very seriously."
He further assured that the ministry he leads has the fundamental objective of safeguarding the lives of international and national tourists, as well as protecting material resources and hotel infrastructure.
At another point in his address, the minister discussed the situation in the tourist areas affected by Hurricane Melissa. He explained that in the case of Holguín, thanks to coordination with tour operators and airlines, 1,807 Canadian tourists returned to their country, while others were transferred to hotels in Ciego de Ávila.
Work teams, led by Deputy Minister Yamily Aldama and the Vice President of Servitur, are currently in the affected territory to assess damages and coordinate recovery efforts.
Regarding damages to tourist facilities in Holguín, he noted that they primarily sustained issues with false ceilings, light roofing, and beachside huts (ranchones). Nevertheless, he asserted that the destination is in a condition to recover quickly.
Concerning Santiago de Cuba, tourist activity was suspended in the province, but not services. Workers and officials who arrived in eastern Cuba to support in this complex scenario were accommodated in sector facilities. In coordination with the territory's Defense Council, the appropriate time for accommodations to resume services for clients involved in productive activities is being evaluated.
Although access to all territories, such as Santo Domingo in Granma province, has not yet been possible, García Granda assured that they already have information from Marea del Portillo and that it "did not suffer as much damage."
Key executives from Campismo Popular and the Islazul Hotel Group, companies with the largest number of facilities in this region, are also present in the territories.
"We believe we can recover quickly based on the preliminary assessment we have conducted," García Granda anticipated, explaining that it is also necessary to evaluate properties used for tourism that are insured. A methodology exists for this, and it is being carried out in an organized manner through the preparation of case files.
The minister acknowledged the discipline of the tourism sector workers who remained at their posts while Melissa affected their families and homes.
(Taken from Sol de Cuba)
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