Cuba Aims to Welcome One Million Canadian Tourists

The Minister of Tourism of Cuba, Juan Carlos García, stated today that the country expects to receive one million Canadian tourists in 2026.

García made this projection during a trip to Canada to strengthen ties with the island's primary tourism market, as published this Friday by the magazine Sol de Cuba, from the Ministry of Tourism (Mintur), circulated in Havana.

The publication notes that the Minister is visiting the northern country, from where he shared a clear message in the most important market for the Island, stating that the Caribbean nation is open, ready, and deeply grateful for the unconditional support of Canadian travelers. The exchanges and presentations with sector operators there aim to strengthen relations with a key market for the island's leisure industry, the Minister maintained.

García said that for the coming year, he is confident in achieving the mentioned figure of Canadian visitors.

Furthermore, the newly appointed Tourism Counselor in Toronto, Gihana Galindo, explained that the conditions are right, people are ready, and the partnership between Cuba and Canada has never been stronger.

The minister was the main host of a Cuba Unique Trade Appreciation Night at the Illuminarium Toronto, which brought together over 100 travel agents and specialized press.

Canadian media reported that García spoke frankly about the destination's challenges in recent years, especially supply problems during the 2024-2025 winter season. The Minister explained that the establishment of new foreign and national import companies and the Cash and Carry wholesale stores guarantee efficient supply chains to maintain high service levels in all hotels. He expressed his conviction that 2025-2026 will be a good winter season, with high expectations.

Galindo specified that winter bookings have already increased by 25 percent compared to last year, a result that highlights the dedication of partners and the travel advisor community. During the event with travel agencies, the counselor described the meeting as key to success, as attendees help share Cuba's beauty and boost reservations.

The minister also presented the International Tourism Fair FITCuba 2026, which will be dedicated to Canada and will take place from May 6 to 10 next year in this nation.

In a meeting with Canadian media prior to the event, García provided an update on the rapid recovery of the eastern tourist hub of Holguín, affected by Hurricane Melissa. He reported that thanks to emergency response protocols, no lives were lost, neither local residents nor foreign visitors. He specified that over 600,000 people were safely evacuated, including one thousand Canadian visitors vacationing in that area. He indicated that many visitors were transferred to Cayo Coco and Ciego de Ávila, where they remained safe and comfortable.

In that sense, the Tourism Counselor reported that the eastern Cuban region is fully operational for visitors, with electricity, airports, and tourist facilities functioning normally.

At the mentioned event, Cuban officials reaffirmed the deep bond between the two countries, describing Canadians as the most important visitors for this island.

The minister also praised major local tour operator partners, including Sunwing, WestJet Vacations, and Air Canada Vacations, for their crucial role in connecting the two nations.

With air routes from various Canadian cities, Sunwing offers a wide range of vacation packages to the most popular regions of Cuba, such as the resort of Varadero, Holguín, Cayo Coco, and Havana.

With an additional increase in flights already available from several localities in the northern country—including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Halifax—Galindo affirmed that the goal of one million visitors is within reach.

For its part, WestJet announced that from December 18 until April 23, 2026, it will operate two new weekly flights, on Thursdays and Sundays, from Toronto to Havana.

Furthermore, direct trips from that same city to Cienfuegos via WestJet/Sunwing Vacations begin on December 10, and trips to Cayo Largo del Sur on January 20.

Therefore, as a synthesis of the meeting and the minister's visit to Canada, a latent optimism is evident among both Cuban officials and their professional counterparts, regarding recovering the historical position of that source market for island tourism.