Clients can discover Cuba’s nature side with Hola Sun Holidays
Hola Sun Holidays is inviting Canadians to discover its green-hued backyard. 
Hugo Rocha, sales director for the Cuba specialist, says it is increasingly emphasizing the natural side to the Caribbean’s largest island, which has traditionally relied on beach vacationers.
“Hola Sun is the Cuba specialist, which means we know the destination better than anyone else,” Rocha said after the company held a mid-October product launch in Mississauga, Ont. “Our staff have firsthand experience with the nature tours we offer. We have identified the attractions and activities that are most suitable for Canadians and those that don’t resonate as well. We have refined these tours to ensure they meet the motivations, needs, and expectations of our customers.
“Our tours are comprehensive, combining history, architecture, culture, nature, and activities. We strongly believe that Cuba has great potential to develop its eco-tourism segment, with beautiful natural settings and abundant flora and fauna. Tourists can enjoy hiking, canoeing, or Jeep safaris. As part of these tours, we offer hotels to suit different budgets and strive to provide excellent quality and value.”
Hola Sun’s product launch coincided with the approach of Cuba’s busy winter tourism season, which Rocha is predicting will be a good one for his tour operator.
Hola Sun is seeing a “very positive trend for the upcoming winter season, with many advanced bookings coming in,” he reported. “Even better, customers are opting for more high-end hotels. While we regret that sales levels have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels, we are optimistic that we will surpass last winter’s sales.”
The product launch coincided with the country-wide power blackout in Cuba, which drew international attention. News reports early Wednesday morning said power had been restored to most of the country.
Hola Sun earlier told agents attending the product launch that the company’s digital 2024-2025 brochure features over 200 hotels, and it’s added Cayos Cruz and Paredon to its offerings.
Outdoorsy sorts who head for Vinales can opt for horseback riding and zip-lines, while those staying in hugely popular Varadero and wanting to see more of Cuba can explore the area by Jeep or catamaran, the audience was told.
Hola Sun caters to specific groups as well, including those who want to be in adults-only properties, and also sends people to the LGBT-friendly Gran Muthu Rainbow, found on Cayo Guillermo.
The likes of Camaguey and Cienfuegos are being promoted for those considering long-stay visits.
The company has a package that features two nights in urban Havana, two in the rural setting of Vinales and three in oceanfront Varadero.
Meanwhile, Lessner Gomez, director of the Cuba Tourism Board’s Toronto office, told the gathering that his office hopes to see a million Canadians visit Cuba this year.
“Cuba is waiting for you. Cuba is waiting for your clients,” he said.
Gomez reiterated that his homeland shouldn’t simply be viewed as a beach destination, adding it offers visitors the likes of adventure, culture, distinctive music and its famed cigars.
