SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Oct 08 2015 – Cuba: Opportunity or Threat? was the final General Session at the recent Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) in Puerto Rico and the general consensus appeared to be cautious optimism based on expectations of diversion of visitors from other countries, but overall a chance to highlight the diversity of the culture of the region.
There was also concurrence that the entire Caribbean can shine as the spotlight falls on Cuba, exposing more potential travelers to the rich diversity and culture of the region.
CHIEF was organised by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) and held at El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort in Puerto Rico.
Cuba continued to be the focus of many conversations as the U.S. moves forward with the opening of relations which will eventually enable U.S. citizens to vacation there. There has been much speculation of what the impact will be including some dire predictions that similar destinations such as the Dominican Republic and those with a higher percentage of U.S. visitors will suffer the most.
Simon Suarez, president of ASONAHORES (the Dominican Republic hotel association), said: “We have been very vocal calling for the end of the embargo on Cuba and we expect the government of Cuba to become a viable partner in the tourism industry. We have been competing with Cuba in every other market except the United States for the past 30 years. However, the pie needs to be made larger.”
Hugh Riley, Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), noted that “Some people believe that the change is an opportunity. Will this magnet suck away visitors from others or will this magnet draw additional visitors. An optimist like me sees this as an opportunity to increase the slice of the pie.”
Riley suggested that “The Cuban situation has forced other countries to look into their own incentives to bring new business to their destinations.”
