Havana.- Trinidad de Cuba -Sancti Spíritus, located in the central zone of the island, presents novel tourists attractions for the holiday makers.

In that sense the specialists emphasized the program called Route of the Conquerors (Ruta de Los Conquistadores), which covers a visit to the village Ma. Dolores, navigating along the river Guaurabo. According to investigators, River Guaurabo was the route used for commercial traffic of the village before the 19th century.

Likewise, during the high tourist season, is incorporated to the local excursions; the Visit to Valle de Los Ingenios, Cultural Patrimony of the Humanity.

In addition to the tourist attractions that Trinidad has been offering to its visitors is now available The Museum of Contemporary Art, in the zone of Topes de Collantes- Escambray Mountains, 800 meters above sea level.

Havana.- Varadero Beach Resort, main beach destination in the biggest of The Antilles, will be benefited with a recovery programme devoted to improve the quality of its sandy beaches.

According to the specialists, this programme will improve the area and rocky zones, fruit of the erosive action of the ocean, will be covered with sand dragged from the sea.

The project in motion, which does not interrupt the massive winter arrival of the international tourism, has been arranged between the Cuban Ministry of Tourism and that of Science, Technology and Environment.

The ambitious project aims at the benefit of an area close to the seven thousand square meters of coastline.

Last summer in Varadero, 600 thousand cubic meters of sand were shed to improve the end of the peninsula. Up to now, two million cubic meters of sand have been introduced in the area.

Cuba. To the closing of the year 2008, more than 40 thousand Russian tourists had visited the different tourist poles of this country, which confirms the interest that prevails in that market for the attractions that offer the Caribbean island, said Oscar Hernández, director of the office of the Department of Tourism of Cuba (MINTUR) in Moscow, in statements for local media and agencies of international press.

Tireless in the search of initiatives to maintain the tendency to the boom of the last period of three years, even in the middle of a world economic crisis that could affect to the sector in 2009, Hernández reported that the 40 thousand Russians that visited the Island in 2008 represent an increment over 10 thousand tourists with respect to the year 2007, season evaluated very favourably.

Upon explaining why the upward trend with a respectable indicator, the official underlines in the first place the traditional sympathy between both countries, the cultural and natural attraction, as well as also the hospitality of the Cubans and the security that Cuba offers.

To those traditional strengths joint other factors, like the special attention that the MINTUR (Ministry of Tourism in Cuba) express to the Russian Federation, concluded the official.

by Ventura de Jesús

VARADERO. — Cuba’s top beach resort has received more than 700,000 tourists to date and the conditions exist for the year to end with a total of one million visitors for the first time in the history of tourism in that province.

“Varadero has been strengthening its position as a destination,” emphasized Amado Acosta Hernández, Ministry of Tourism delegate in Matanzas province. “We have maintained progressive growth since the second semester of 2007 and, specifically this year, we are seeing the best results in overall indicators, although we know we can be still more efficient.”

Varadero has a total of 17,300 hotel rooms, and according to experts, it is highly likely that in February and March, the peak of the high season, the daily rate of tourists will exceed 30,000, a record set last season.

Acosta Hernández explained to Granma that damages from the recent hurricanes are insignificant; they were localized in the structures of several hotels, above all windows and roofs, along with landscaping and gardens. “We are now completely back to normal and preparing for the high season,” he said.

Leading up to the winter period, some of the most important actions include beefing up beaches with sand, with a current accumulation of 35,000 cubic meters.

The process of restoring facilities is particularly comprehensive at the Breezes Varadero, Tuxpan and Las Morlas hotels.

Acosta Hernández added that work is underway to improve roads, street signs and lighting. Because of the competition in this industry, a greater emphasis should be placed on service quality, he commented.

Translated by Granma International

The Hostal San Miguel is located very near to Havana`s Harbour, witness of the non grata presence of filibusters, whose visits to this city brought in the construction of colossal fortresses: La Cabana, El Morro and La Punta.

The building was acquired and modified towards 1923 by Antonio San Miguel y Segala, outstanding man of letters, altruist and promoter of Cuban culture. He was the director of La Lucha newspaper, a very important one during the war of Independence in 1895. Later on, he became a distinguished businessman.

This elegant architecture ensemble is distinguished by the disposition and good taste of its compartments, which show the life style of well consolidated high class of Havana in the 1920’s.

Its comfortable ten rooms, the Grand Saloon, designed with pompous filigree to hold protocol banquets as in the 20ies, its attractive lobby bar and a captivating terrace with and excellent panoramic view make this place a concurrent stop for travellers who enjoy exquisiteness and good appearance.

The Terrace: The lookout point offers a fascinating view of the Harbour and its fortresses. Excellent spot for breakfast lunch or dinner overlooking the best of Havana’s architecture.

Facilities at Palacio San Miguel:
Ten air conditioning moms, private bathrooms, safe box, minibar, satellite TV, room service, national and international telephone lines, laundry, snack bar on the terrace, rent of Grand Saloon, e-mail, fax, photocopy, specialized shop, parking, luggage storage room.

Address:
Hotel San Miguel
Calle Cuba N0. 52 esquina s Peña Pobre,
La Habana Vieja, Cuba
Telephones: (0053 7) 627656, (0053 7) 634029 Fax: (0053 7) 634088

The real Cuban fiesta is everywhere: at unimagined corners, hidden behind any bend in the road. This is the opinion of some European travelers that have seen and lived a lot in Cuba, place where they return to in order to spend vacations again.
Cubans are deeply proud of this idea. They welcome visitors with their best smile, wherever they come from.
Nevertheless, one of the most distinctive marks of this philosophy has to be unquestionably related with accommodations. Certainly, Havana –the Cuban capital- is plenty of good examples; the same happens with the rest of the Island.
Many travelers prefer those places full of history; others, huge buildings exuding light and brightness through and through.
However, those who bet for small places have always the opportunity of taking advantages of higher intimacy and a more personalized attention from employees who soon become long-lasting friends.
This is the case of a very interesting hotel that also has a worthy-to-take-note history that can be kept as well as the good memories and pictures of the family in the place they spend vacations.
In addition, this place is located at one of Havana’s busiest corners, very closed to the Paseo del Prado.
That is why, this distinguished Hotel Telégrafo, located in the previously mentioned city, attracts thousands of European travelers due to its relations with arts and intimacy although being so close to hurly-burly of city life.
Featuring an average of more than 85 per cent of occupation and many years of management; it has undergone a complete repair and constitutes a much demanded place for tourists run by Habaguanex S.A.
It is located between two very crowded streets: Neptuno and Galiano. It has a beautiful façade and it is even more attractive inside. In addition, the Telégrafo holds many stories of the city.
Opened in 1860, it was located few blocks away from Amistad Street, near the place it occupies today. Around 1888, it was moved into the populous current site; and in 1911 it was fully rebuilt, representing the key reason for today’s recovery.

The Telégrafo has 63 rooms and the privileges of modern tourism services, as well as an excellent location within the Cuban capital. That is the reason why it receives many visitors who come repeated times from all over the world.
Elegance is its distinctive mark as well as a very intimate style remarked by its employees´ top-quality service that is mentioned by some surveyed guests.

Habaguanex S.A. -name of a native cacique of the region- represents a paramount tourism group for the oldest part of Havana and it is in charge of some other hotels with plenty of intimacy and charm.
This renewed hotel keeps stories of each outstanding person and celebrated happening surrounding this area of old Havana, still in time, an architectural landscape with plenty of anecdotes.
Those places are increasingly much demanded by, mainly, Europeans that come to Cuba, and specifically to Havana, who have historical and cultural interests.

Ibrostar Daiquiry Hotel ****

Would you like to enjoy a perfect holiday in a spectacular movie-like setting? You can make your dreams come true at the Hotel Iberostar Daiquiri. A complex with a modern design, set on one of Cuba’s most beautiful islands, Cayo Guillermo, only 40 km from Cayo Coco airport. What is especially striking about this still practically unspoilt place is the great beauty of the surroundings.

A paradise of striking contrasts where you can admire the incomparable beauty of Caribbean nature while relaxing on a fabulous beach of fine white sand.

Location: Cayo Guillermo

312 rooms in several buildings and perfectly decorated bungalows.

Main buffet restaurant and 2 other a la carte Mexican and Creole cuisine restaurants.
4 bars that specialized in Cuban drinks and delicious cocktails.

3 swimming pools, including a separate children’s pool, in a spectacular garden zone.
Gym room, massage room and sauna.
Wide range of water sports and an International Diving Centre.
Varied programme of night-time shows and karaoke, etc.
Made-to-measure entertainment programme for the little ones: Mini-club, Playground & Playroom and babysitter service. 24-hour all-inclusive service.

This communication has been sent by the Managing Director of Melia Cayo Coco

As you must be aware of, hurricane Ike affected our facilities, especially our Beach Restaurant which was offering Buffet service while major renovation is taking place in our Main Buffet. Therefore, we have been forced to create an alternative solution which we hope do not last long to resolve this situation so as our valued guests will not be affected.

From this Saturday, September 20th onwards, services will be provided as follows:

BREAKFAST (from 7.30 hrs. to 10.00 hrs.)

International Restaurant “Las Caletas”
Italian Restaurant “La Terrazza”

LUNCH (from 12.30 hrs. to 15.00 hrs.)

Italian Restaurant “La Terrazza”
International Restaurant “Las Caletas”

DINNER (from 19.00 hrs. to 22.00 hrs / previous reservation)

International “Las Caletas”
Italian Restaurant “La Terrazza”

SNACK BAR “EL SALADITO” will keep offering service 24 hours a day.

We expect everything is back to normal by the 1st of October and will be sending formal notice to all of you.

Thanking you in advance for your understanding and cooperation in this matter,

Noel Cavaco Dias
Managing Director

IBEROSTAR TRINIDAD - HOTEL * * * * *
Calle José Mar-ti No 262 entre Lino Perez y Colon, Trinidad, Sancti Spiritus
Tel.: +53 4196070
Fax: +53 4196077

Experience the culture and traditions in your unforgettable holidays. This colonial-style hotel, completely refurbished, is located in the heart of the city, declared by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1988, just 2 km from Trinidad regional airport and 1300 m from the fabulous Ancon beach.

In this welcoming hotel, you can enjoy this magnificent region any way you like. Trinidad is an ideal place from which to discover the most historical side of Cuba, not only you find buildings regarded as architectural masterpieces from the colonial period, also different and interesting museums.

LOCATION
Located in the heart of the town of Trinidad, a jewel of colonial architecture founded in the 16 century and declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1988.
Just 2 km. from Trinidad regional airport and 247 km. from Cayo Coco. The hotel is approximately 335 km. away from the capital city of Havana.
ACCOMMODATION
40 comfortable rooms, 36 of them standard and 4 junior suites. All the rooms have a complete bathroom, telephone, satellite TV, air conditioning, minifridge, safety deposit box (frees of charge) and balcony or terrace.
THE HOTEL OFFERS
Reception with currency exchange. There is a jewerly, tourist information, car rental and
medical service. Room service and minibar (extra charge). The hotel also has a main a Ia carte restaurant, lobby bar, games room, smokers’ rooms, Internet service and meeting room.
FOOD AND BEVERAGES
• Main restaurant with Show Cooking offering breakfast and lunch.
• Gourmet Restaurant offering dinner.
• Lobby bar.
• Cyber café.
• Smokers’ bar.
CHILDREN UNDER 15 YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED.

Blau Varadero ****
Carretera de las Morlas Km. 15
VARADERO-MATANZAS
Tel. (+53) 45667545
Fax. (+53) 45667494
salesmanager@blauvaradero.cyt.cu

Location: just on the shore of the magnificent and famous Varadero beach, the hotel consists of a 13 floor building, completely new.
Ideal for those who want to enjoy the beauty and the atmosphere of the most well known beach of Cuba, with the best facilities and a wide list of activities.

Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport 35 km / Varadero 0 km / La Habana Airport 140 km

Hotel Facilities

Doubles and Suites: Doubles with fully equipped bathrooms,220 V. hairdryer, vanity mirrors, towel for the swimming pool, telephone, music channel on TV SAT-TV air conditioning, minibar, safe-deposit box and terrace. Suites in additon contain a livin groom and bathrobes.

Gastronomy: All Inclusive basis, breakfast and dinner Buffet, including a typical Cuban Buffet once a week and lunch at the Grill-Restaurant. The hotel also has two Restaurants a Ia carte “Palma Real” and “El Criollo”, Grill “Las Adelfas”, buffet “Flamboyan” bar Hall “Orqu Ranchon playa. Snack Bar “Las Dunas” opened 24h. and Piano Bar.

All Inclusive: - Breakfast and dinner Buffet in the main Restaurant - live music in our Speciality’s - Lunch in the Grill Restaurant - Snacks, national and international drinks 24 hours, alcoholic drinks 24 hours - Wellness Buffet during breakfast and dinner - One dinner, per booking and week, in ours a Ia carte Restaurants (previous reservation required) - Typical Cuban dinner once a week - Minibar daily refilled with bottled water, soft drinks and local - Meeting Rooms (capacity for 300 people) - A day and night entertainment program.

All Inclusive Sports: -2 Tennis courts - I Multiple sports court - Outdoor pool - Gym/Sauna/Steam bath/Jacuzzi/hydromasage shower Gymnastics/I/olleyball/Aerobics/ Water gymnastics/French bowling - Windsurf/Canoes/Pedal boats/Sailing boats - 1 lesson of scuba diving in group - Tennis lessons - Scuba diving lessons (with a surcharge). Spa with 4 massage rooms, 2 mud therapy rooms, hairdresser, and Medical consultation.

Entertainment: Our entertainer team offers sport and leisure activities during daytime as well as night shows.
Children’s Entertainment: Free Mini Club for children from 2-12 years, as well as playground and children’s pool.

Meeting Rooms: meeting rooms with capacity for 300 people with the possibility of dividing this room in three different parts (100 people per room).