TORONTO— Canada is Cuba’s most important market, so it’s key for this industry to stay up to date on the latest news and developments. With that in mind, Gaviota Group, Cuba’s largest hotel group, held a press conference yesterday at the Cuba Tourist Board’s office on Bay Street in Toronto. Gaviota Group has been hard at work doing many renovations and upgrades on its properties throughout Cuba, primarily in Havana, Varadero, Cayo Santa Maria and Holguin.
The Cuban group is working with foreign companies to improve product and service at its hotels across the island, with negotiations in progress to bring even more investors into the mix. Gaviota Group is working with 16 foreign hotel chains. This means that 80% of rooms in Gaviota hotels are being managed by foreign hotel companies.
Gaviota’s main goal is to develop new products at its properties, specifically for its brand ‘Playa.’ It will be implementing new modules for families with kids, with special rooms geared for them, plus premium levels. First up will be Playa Cayo Santa Maria.
This is something that was needed, as Cuba has been experiencing an increase in requests for accommodations for large families. To attract the younger market, Gaviota is working together with Blue Diamond Hotels by offering specialty music festivals and opening a new hotel brand called ‘Resonance,’ which will have music and entertainment for the younger generation in one section, and relaxation and wellness in the other. .
