On May 4, local time, Cuban Minister of Tourism García announced at the closing ceremony of the Cuban Tourism Expo that a visa-free policy will be implemented for Chinese citizens who enter and transit Cuba with ordinary passports and stay for no more than 90 days. This policy has created a new interest in Chinese tourists to travel to Cuba, and all parties in Cuba are looking forward to more Chinese tourists visiting Cuba.
As soon as the news of Cuba's implementation of the visa-free policy for Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports was announced, it immediately attracted the attention of the domestic media and the vast number of tourists. According to some news, half an hour after the release of the visa-free news, the search popularity of keywords such as hotels and air tickets in Cuba on the domestic tourism service platform increased by more than 40% month-on-day. All of a sudden, there was a strong interest in Cuba, a Caribbean island country 13,000 kilometres away.
Tang Bing, Head of Cuba at Hummingbird of the Americas: When we heard the news, we were also very excited, I think it can greatly facilitate Chinese tourists to Cuba, and can strengthen the exchange of tourism between China and Cuba. I think the visa-free policy is a shot in the arm for those of us who work in the tourism industry in Cuba.
Cuba's rich cultural heritage, unique Caribbean flair and historic cities such as Havana and Santiago attract visitors from all over the world. Cuba has beautiful beaches and is an ideal destination for a relaxing holiday. The introduction of the visa-free policy and the imminent resumption of the Beijing-Madrid-Havana route have greatly facilitated the travel of Chinese tourists to Cuba.
Guan Yue, a Chinese tourist: When I was playing in the past two days, I also saw this news on my mobile phone, which provided more convenience for Chinese tourists. Mutual exchanges will certainly bring about the promotion of sightseeing in Cuba and the development of the Cuban economy.
Chinese tourist Wang Siyang: When you come to Havana, you must have a glass of mojito, and there is a classic car, you must take a seat. This simple and unpretentious sentiment of the Cuban people, written on their faces, is very characteristic.
Tourism is one of the pillars of Cuba's economy, and the Cuban Ministry of Tourism is also very optimistic about China's tourism consumption market, and actively carries out roadshows in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and other places, and negotiates with Chinese travel agencies and airlines, hoping to attract more Chinese tourists. Related industries are also starting to prepare for the arrival of more Chinese tourists.
Elisabeth Vera, Asian Tourism Counsellor, Ministry of Tourism, Cuba: This is very good for us. First, the two countries have close diplomatic relations. Secondly, the status of Chinese tourists in the world is also very high. The market for Chinese tourists is now in the top 20 in Cuba and we expect to grow to the top five. Let's wait and see.
According to the information updated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba on its official website on May 5, the scope of implementation of the visa-free policy is for Chinese citizens who enter and transit Cuba with ordinary passports and stay for no more than 90 days. Chinese citizens who wish to work, study, reside or report in Cuba are still required to apply for a visa before entering Cuba. Lourenço, director of the Department of Asia and Pacific Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba, said that the specific details of the visa-free policy are still being discussed and are expected to take effect soon.
Lourenço, Director General of the Department of Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba: The decision on the visa-free policy is aimed at continuously promoting friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries. Of course, this decision will also benefit the peoples of the two countries and promote tourism in Cuba.
Mercedes Huenko, tour guide of Cuban travel agency: Welcome Chinese tourists to Cuba, Cuba welcomes you.
Source: CCTV news client
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