Destination Cuba: Caribbean country looking to attract more Chinese tourists, investment

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02:47

Cuba wants to become a much more attractive global destination. With a favorable climate, golden beaches, and a distinct cultural history, the Caribbean island nation has a lot to offer. CGTN's Luis Chirino reports on the efforts being made to attract not only Chinese holiday-makers but also investment from the world's second largest economy.

While the number is small compared to other countries, officials here say they are pushing for more Chinese vacationers to this Caribbean island.

WANG CHENG GENERAL MANAGER, LUZ-TUR TRAVEL AGENCY "Along with the Cubans, we are launching an image, a culture because we want to bring more Chinese visitors to Cuba so that they know the Cuban people and their history."

Although Air China launched direct flights from Beijing to Havana at the end of 2015, most Chinese visitors come to Cuba through third countries.

WANG CHENG GENERAL MANAGER, LUZ-TUR TRAVEL AGENCY "At present, Air China maintains only one weekly flight, and I think they must consider to include more flights from China."

Chinese visitors come here not only looking for the sun and beaches, some want to learn about Cuban history.

TIM XU HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FROM BEIJING "I want to understand the culture here and what Spanish colonization was like at this place and how Cuba enhances a unique culture."

China currently ranks 14th as a tourism market for Cuba. More than 160 million Chinese citizens traveled outside of the country last year.

LUIS CHIRINO HAVANA "Cuba wants to receive a larger number of Chinese visitors. In order to meet that goal, the local tourist sector must guarantee vacationers from the Asian country an attractive tourist offer with customized services."

SIYING CHEN CHINESE TOURIST FROM GUANGZHOU "I think if they provide some Chinese services in the hotels, it will be really helpful because many Chinese people don't really speak Spanish. It would also be helpful if hotels provide Chinese guides or translation, as well as hot water to make tea."

Joint efforts by China and Cuba are also targeting the tourist infrastructure. Chinese companies are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into construction and tourism projects.

JOSE PERELLO TOURISM BUSINESSMAN "Chinese companies, in my opinion based on the new constitution, will presumably increase actions in the Cuban tourist sector by building hotels, golf courses, real estate and other necessary projects."

China and Cuba have long shared a friendship. Cubans hope the natural gifts of their island may encourage a larger presence of Chinese visitors. LCH, CGTN, HAVANA.