Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable and Culture signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Cuba to strengthen technical co-operation between both countries in the areas of Tourism and Hospitality. The agreement was signed on Monday May 1, 2023 in Havana, Republic of Cuba.
Minister of Tourism, Republic of Cuba, Juan Carlos Garcia Granda, hosted a bilateral meeting with the Vincentian delegation led by Honourable Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture. Minister James expressed his appreciation for the continued solidarity shared between the government and people of the Republic of Cuba and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
According to Minister James, “the agreement will strengthen cooperation in technical areas between both countries and enhance the broad framework of collaboration among countries of the South.”
“We can capitalize on the unique features of our destinations and jointly promote a sustainable tourism package, as we seek to expand our source markets,” Minister James said.
The MOU aims to facilitate co-operation through joint actions, exchange of experiences and technical co-operation. According to the MOU, these areas of common interest include but not limited to product development, promotion and marketing of products, familiarisation tours and enhancement of various types of tourism inclusive of Agro-Tourism, Eco-Tourism, Cultural and Heritage Tourism and Festival Tourism.
Additionally, the partnership provides opportunities for internship exchange programmes which targets students and industry stakeholders. The exchange programmes will include training in areas of hospitality services, tourism, gastronomy, language and the arts.
“The relations between the Republic of Cuba and the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are strong; it is built on solidarity and love,” said Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos. He further added that, the MOU will foster greater collaboration and support for an integrated Caribbean tourism product.
The Ministers of Tourism signed the MOU in the presence of H. E Ellsworth I. E John, Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba and other senior officials from both Ministries of Tourism.