HA V A NA
For its 500th birthday, Cuba’s capital is getting more luxury hotel rooms to build on its options for corporate groups. Rose Dykins reports
I
n recent years, there has been an international scramble to visit Cuba “before it changes”. Travellers everywhere romanticise Havana, charmed by its time-worn colonial
architecture and colourful Cadillacs. Tey long to immerse themselves in its political history, and understand how this translates into the everyday lives of its citizens (Cubans were first allowed to purchase wifi in 2008 and to travel without exit visas or invitations in 2013). On this special island, you’ll find Communist ideology combined with hedonistic nightlife; plus Jurassic terrain, white-sand beaches and warm hospitality. All of this makes it a captivating destination for corporate incentives and events. Tese days in Havana, it’s not uncommon to witness developers sizing up its beautiful buildings for their potential – from the mansions
in the leafy embassy district of Vedado, to the elegant neoclassical terraces of Old
Havana (Havana Vieja). Investment in tourism is a crucial part of Cuba’s growth plan – according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), tourism accounted for 11 per cent of the nation’s GDP last year, attracting 22 per cent of total national investment. Despite some setbacks in 2017 – including the “Trump Slump” effect, where deteriorating US-Cuban relations saw a drop in US visitors, and the devastation of that year’s Caribbean hurricane season – the steady arrival of new, increasingly glitzy tourism infrastructure reflects buoyant demand. In terms of corporate travel, France,
Above: Carnival in Havana Vieja's Obispo street Far right: National Capitol Building Opposite page: The city's vibrant Cadillacs and colonial buildings
48 |NOVEMBER 2019
Spain, Russia and the UK are among the top overseas markets for Havana. Te medical and pharmaceutical sectors commonly choose the city for conferences – in May it hosted the Pan American Congress of Physiological Sciences, and the First International Diabetes Congress (co-organised by the Latin American Diabetes Association). Te Cuban capital also hosts a broad range of festivities that are ideal for atmospheric group incentives – from the yearly Habanos cigar festival (February), to its annual jazz festival ( January). May also saw Havana host FITCuba
2019, the International Tourism Fair of Cuba. Tis year’s edition had a special focus on events and incentives, and brought together meetings and event professionals from across the globe to learn more about the country’s offering. 2019 marks Havana’s 500th anniversary, and
the city has celebrated throughout the year with a series of cultural events, including an international Ernest Hemingway needle-fishing tournament in June (the author lived in Cuba on and off for 30 years) and monthly concerts. In addition, this big birthday culminates in the completion of major cultural projects. Te city’s National Capitol building, originally built in 1929, reopened last year aſter an eight-year restoration. Modelled on Washington DC’s Capitol, its soaring cupolas, ornate ceilings, Carrera marble floors and towering bronze statues are a sight to behold. Te final part of the restoration was completed in March, and group tours of the building for up to 15 people can be arranged. In terms of hotel stock, some 18,000 rooms
are currently under construction across Cuba. Expanding Havana’s luxury offering is a strong focus, as 44 per cent of rooms are currently two- or three-star. Last year saw some landmark openings in the capital with meeting and event space, including an ultra-luxe hotel from Iberostar and Kempinski’s Cuba debut (see overleaf). Te five-star, 250-room Paseo del Prado La Habana, a joint venture between Accor and Havana-based Gaviota Group, opened in September with a modern aesthetic and infinity pool. British corporate travellers have a few
options for getting to Havana. Virgin Atlantic offers a ten-hour direct flight from London Gatwick twice a week. Otherwise, Air France, KLM, Iberia, Avianca and Air Canada all offer one-stop services via their hubs from various London airports. Whether it’s touring the city in an open-top
vintage car, or learning to salsa to the rhythm of a live band, Havana is brimming with opportunities for enthralling group incentives. Te new infrastructure will keep on coming, but the city’s 500 year-old soul will always be its trump card.
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