CubaPLUS Magazine

A Business Forum, serving as an alternative to the traditional ExpoCaribe exhibition and adapted to current economic conditions, commenced this Thursday in Santiago de Cuba. The event aims to preserve key spaces for business dialogue and identify growth opportunities for the eastern region of the country. The Teatro Heredia Cultural Center, transformed into an exhibition and negotiation hub, once again hosts the event, which features representatives from the diverse business models currently operating within the Cuban economic landscape.

If there is one destination where natural beauty truly flourishes, it is Cuba. Often called the "Pearl of the Caribbean," the island boasts countless lush landscapes, many of which are designated as Biosphere Reserves, protected areas, or Ramsar sites.

According to Gihana Galindo, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Toronto, the recently announced economic measures soon to take effect in the country will revitalize this vital sector of the national economy. “We are thrilled to be part of this extraordinary chapter,” Galindo said, adding, “These reforms mark a milestone that will allow our sector to become more sustainable, autonomous, and resilient.”

The El Morro Lighthouse in Havana is one of Cuba's most iconic symbols, gracing countless travel catalogs and remaining a must-capture subject for travelers. Perched atop the rocky crag that guards the entrance to the bay, the lighthouse of the Castle of the Three Kings of El Morro (Castillo de los Tres Reyes del Morro) has guided mariners for nearly de two centuries.

Through a series of new economic measures, Cuba is seeking to reshape its financial landscape, addressing current hardships while looking toward the future. This is the consensus among both local and international analysts closely monitoring the island's recent approval of a sweeping package of economic reforms that opens the door to the private sector and foreign capital. During an extraordinary session, the National Assembly of People’s Power (Cuba’s parliament) unanimously passed a comprehensive program of 176 economic reforms, representing the most significant shift in the island's economic model to date. This unprecedented overhaul of Cuba's socialist framework comes amid a profound structural crisis and intense pressure from the U.S. administration.

Also known as the "Rainbow of Cuba" due to a unique optical phenomenon that occurs daily at its main waterfall, Soroa is a dream destination for nature lovers and ranks among Cuba’s most alluring vacation spots. Nestled within the Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, the village of Soroa is said to owe its name either to a Basque immigrant family that once settled in the area, or to the word soroche—a term referring to altitude-induced fatigue.

Much like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day is a deeply rooted and significant tradition in Cuba and many other countries worldwide—an occasion that never goes unnoticed. The day serves to honor those who, alongside mothers, bring children into the world, nurturing, educating, and guiding their development. In many instances, fathers also step up to play a dual role, filling the shoes of both parents when mothers are absent. This tribute is observed on the third Sunday of June, a tradition upheld in Cuba since June 1938.

interCaribbean Airways has introduced a new Embraer E170, the first of its kind in its fleet. Named the "Spirit of Turks and Caicos," the aircraft prominently features the territory’s coat of arms on its tail.

The Latin American news agency Prensa Latina celebrated its 67th anniversary on Tuesday, consolidated as one of the longest-running and most far-reaching journalistic projects to emerge in Latin America during the 20th century. Founded in Havana in 1959 at the initiative of then-Prime Minister Fidel Castro and Commander Ernesto Che Guevara, the agency was shaped in its early days by Argentine journalist Jorge Ricardo Masetti, who assumed leadership and organized its network of correspondents.

Located within the Guaniguanico mountain range in the western province of Artemisa, the Sierra del Rosario is a massif of singular beauty. In 1985, it became the first site in Cuba to be recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. This vast protected area promotes ecotourism as a vital activity for safeguarding and preserving the region's remarkable flora and fauna. Spanning over 26,000 hectares (250 square kilometers) along the easternmost section of the mountain range, the reserve encompasses a complex system of mountains, forests, and natural landscapes.

The iconic Sol Palmeras hotel, which has been operated by Meliá Cuba for 36 years, is set to reopen its doors on July 1 following an extensive refurbishment and modernization program. The upgrades include a complete redesign of several key areas alongside new guest amenities. According to recent updates from the Spanish hotel chain, Sol Palmeras was Meliá’s debut property on the island. It was inaugurated in 1990 by Gabriel Escarrer, founder of the Mallorca-based hospitality group, and Fidel Castro Ruz, the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution.

The Island Eats Food and Tourism Festival took place this weekend at Mel Lastman Square, showcasing several Caribbean nations, including Cuba, Jamaica, Guyana, the Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Starting this Friday, we embark on a journey through Cuba’s most captivating natural destinations—unmissable sanctuaries for anyone vacationing on the island, celebrated for their scenic beauty, tranquility, and pristine preservation. Situated at the westernmost tip of the island in the province of Pinar del Río, the Guanahacabibes Peninsula stands as one of Cuba's most fascinating and beautiful natural landmarks. It is a dream destination for those yearning to experience nature in its purest form.

Dr. Yanelys Morera Díaz, lead specialist of the cancer immunotherapy group at the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) in Havana, heads the HeberSavax project. This Cuban-developed therapeutic candidate is unique in the world and holds immense potential in the global fight against cancer. A microbiology graduate from the University of Havana’s Faculty of Biology, Dr. Morera first joined the CIGB as a student intern. In 2013, the distinguished researcher earned her PhD in Biological Sciences with a doctoral thesis focused precisely on the development of this candidate. “Through this project, I was able to manage its design, formulation, and animal testing, eventually participating in human clinical trials. For a researcher, it is an incredible opportunity to watch what started as a simple idea gradually materialize,” she shared. “When I first joined the CIGB, I worked in the Molecular Oncology department, studying molecules related to rheumatoid arthritis, before eventually moving to the cancer immunotherapy laboratory.” As the researcher explains, her career has always been intertwined with Cuba's scientific battle against cancer. The year 2015 marked a turning point when she became the lead specialist of the group and project manager—the very role she had been training for over several years. “When I joined the lab, there were already preliminary studies on a vaccine candidate in the form of a DNA vaccine. We then set a new challenge for ourselves: to transition that candidate into a protein-based format. This sparked studies on cloning the molecule, developing an extraction process, and initiating animal testing." “We began evaluating various models and demonstrated the candidate’s potential, observing a highly potent anti-metastatic effect in several of them,” she explained. “This efficacy was demonstrated because VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) is overexpressed in more than 90% of tumors and plays a vital role in processes essential for cancer survival.” Dr. Morera Díaz notes that this molecule plays a critical role within tumors, which often evade the immune system; indeed, there is strong evidence that VEGF induces a significant portion of this immunosuppression. “This candidate also plays an important role in shaping the cellular immune response, inducing CD8+ T lymphocytes to directly attack tumor cells. Thus, we achieve a triple-action effect: we restrict the blood supply to the tumor, restore the patient's immune system, and mount a direct attack on the tumor itself.” Between 2011 and 2013, HeberSavax underwent two Phase I clinical trials to establish safety data. These trials involved patients with advanced solid tumors who had been refractory to conventional treatments; notably, many of these patients began showing long-term responses. “We had two patients with metastatic ovarian cancer who achieved complete response and have now survived for over 14 years.” These are the fruits of years of dedication by Dr. Morera, a young CIGB researcher striving to transform one of Cuba’s most promising cancer research projects into an approved vaccine. This milestone coincides with the 40th anniversary of the scientific center, a flagship of Cuban biotechnology. “For me, the CIGB has been the driving inspiration of my career. From the moment I saw the results achieved here, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Alongside my children, the CIGB is my absolute passion and makes me feel complete, especially given the opportunities the institution has provided for my education and professional growth.” Dr. Morera Díaz outlines the further development of the HeberSavax candidate as her next primary objective. “We are tackling a highly complex disease like cancer, where it is well-known that a single therapy is rarely sufficient. Therefore, we are already developing new candidates, such as an active immunotherapy targeting PD-L1. We want to continue advancing clinical trials with this candidate; so far, we have taken confident steps forward, and we plan to expand trials to various cancer types where patients can benefit. That is our ultimate challenge. My dream is for HeberSavax to reach every Cuban patient who stands to benefit from this drug." (Taken from Prensa Latina)

Centro Caribe Sports (CCS) is set to celebrate its centenary in the Dominican Republic with an agenda featuring a gala, the launch of a historical publication, and events aimed at preserving the region's sporting legacy, reports confirmed on Tuesday. These activities are part of the centenary commemorations of the organization, which is recognized as one of the oldest sports institutions in the Americas and has been responsible for staging the Central American and Caribbean Games (CACG) since their inception.

People often use the phrase "building castles in the sky" to describe unattainable dreams. However, in Soroa, tucked away in the western Cuban province of Artemisa, fantasy becomes a tangible reality at El Castillo en las Nubes (The Castle in the Clouds). This medieval-style manor, converted into a hotel nearly a decade ago, offers its guests a truly unparalleled experience.

Scheduled to run from June 9 to 14, the 2nd International Biennial of Political Humor promises a diverse program and significant international representation, confirmed renowned Cuban cartoonist Arístides Hernández (Ares). In an interview with national television, the artist revealed that this year’s edition received 359 works from 118 authors across 38 countries, marking a substantial increase in both participation and artistic quality compared to the inaugural event.

Cuba’s rising stars from Acosta Danza Yunior are setting off for new horizons today, following the announcement of their upcoming performance season in the United Kingdom. Under the artistic direction of world-renowned Cuban dancer and choreographer Carlos Acosta, the company will take the stage at the Lighthouse Poole (June 9–10) and Sadler’s Wells East (June 17–20).

The 34th edition of the Havana International Book Fair (FIL Havana) will take place from August 10 to 16. Despite the current economic challenges facing the nation, the event was officially announced this Thursday during a press conference, confirming the Russian Federation as the Guest of Honor. The Russian Ambassador to Cuba, Viktor Viktorovich Koronelli, confirmed the participation of a high-level delegation from his country, including representatives from the Russian Ministries of Culture and Digital Development.

UN Tourism, headquartered in Madrid, reported today that 307 million international travelers crossed borders during the first four months of the year. In an assessment of the 2026 season’s start, the United Nations agency noted that the encouraging momentum seen in January and February (a 2.5% growth rate) has since been dampened by conflict in the Middle East.