The strategic vision of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz to develop tourism in Jardines del Rey was highlighted today during the first day of the XLII International Tourism Fair FITCuba 2024, which runs from May 1 to 5 in the northern cay of Ciego de Avila.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, Alfre Menéndez Pérez, governor of the Avila territory, referred to the construction of the Turiguanó-Cayo Coco causeway, an engineering work that he described as challenging and essential for the further development of the infrastructure of the tourist enclave, currently made up of 28 hotel facilities, as well as other extra-hotel and support facilities, distributed among the keys Coco, Guillermo and Paredón Grande.

In accordance with the concept of sustainable development set out by the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, work is being done to ensure the extra-hotel offerings and the modalities of nature, cultural and city tourism are being promoted, the latter associated with tours of the cities of Morón and Ciego de Ávila, which allow visitors to get to know Cuba and interact with its inhabitants.

Menéndez Pérez emphasised that, more than 30 years after its foundation (12 November 1993), Jardines del Rey has consolidated itself as a safe tourist destination, a quality confirmed by the prevalence of operations during the international health crisis generated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

He also recognised the natural values of the cay, where protected areas such as the Central and Western Ecological Reserve of Cayo Coco and the Outstanding Natural Element Dunes of Playa Pilar stand out, areas of interest for groups of travellers who prefer contact with nature and appreciate the way in which it is preserved.

He also referred to the strength of the human resources, recognised for their professionalism and friendly treatment of clients, which is a motivation to return, independently of other attractions such as the pleasant climate and excellent beaches with blue-green waters and fine white sands.

The official highlighted the merit of Jardines del Rey in surpassing the number of international travellers registered in 2019 during the current season.

These results are evidence of the commitment of the workers and the integration of all the economic actors to guarantee the success of tourist operations, threatened by the intensification of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed on Cuba by the US government, he emphasised.

Juan Carlos García Granda, Minister of Tourism, highlighted during the inauguration of FITCuba 2024 that Jardines del Rey ranks as the fourth most important tourist destination in Cuba, where more than 24,000 rooms are located, distributed among the Guillermo, Coco and Paredón Grande keys.

The head of the tourism sector highlighted the opening of the Vila Galé Hotel, with 668 rooms, on the last of the aforementioned islets, which is evidence of the progressive growth and the way in which prestigious international companies in the sector continue to bet on Cuba and its potential for the leisure industry.

He also highlighted the updating of extra-hotel products, including those aimed at nautical activities, which represent another attraction for holidaymakers from different parts of the world.

García Granda detailed the presence of dolphinariums and marinas in the Coco and Guillermo Cays, the opportunities for kitesurfing and diving, and excursions, among other activities that liven up the stay and complement the sun and beach tourism modality.

He also alluded to improvements in beach ranches, mainly the one at Playa Pilar, the expansion of the hotel facilities of the Gaviota Tourism Group and the repair of the Jardines del Rey international airport.