The recent announcement by the Cuban government of a visa-free policy for Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports has ignited a notable surge in searches for related tourism offerings on Chinese travel platforms. The policy, slated to commence this month, has seen searches soar by 40 percent, coinciding with plans to reinstate direct flights between China and Cuba.
The proclamation came from Cuban Tourism Minister Juan Carlos Garcia during the 42nd Cuban International Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2024) at Cayo Coco in Ciego de Avila province. Garcia revealed that China would be honored at the Cuban Tourism Festival 2025, alongside the anticipated resumption of direct flights between the two nations on May 17.
The swift impact of the visa-free policy was evident, with searches for Cuban hotels and flights spiking by over 40 percent on leading travel platform Ctrip, just half an hour after the announcement. Enthusiasm for Cuban travel information was particularly high among residents from Beijing, Shanghai, and various provinces, including Guangdong, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, and Fujian.
While currently no direct flights exist between China and Cuba, Air China is poised to recommence the Beijing-Havana route, the sole direct connection between the two countries, from May 17. According to data from Chinese travel platform Qunar, one-way tickets for this route are priced around 8,200 yuan ($1,132), with two flights weekly, while return trips cost approximately 5,700 yuan.
During a business forum in Beijing in November 2023, Cuban Prime Minister Manuel Marrero Cruz emphasized the urgency of establishing direct flights between Beijing and Havana to bolster trade and business ties. The reinstatement of this flight route is seen as a significant step in fostering South-South cooperation and deepening economic relations between China and Cuba.
Experts highlight the importance of this move for Cuba’s development, particularly amidst challenges like the enduring US embargo, geopolitical uncertainties, and the ongoing Middle East conflict. Marrero has underscored the pivotal role of tourism in Cuba’s economic growth and expressed anticipation for record-breaking Chinese tourist arrivals following the resumption of flights.
Cuba has already welcomed over 1 million international tourists in 2024, aiming to reach 3.5 million by year-end. Despite its distance and cost, Cuba’s unique cultural and natural offerings make it an appealing destination for Chinese travelers, alongside other Latin American countries like Mexico and Brazil.
Experts believe that facilitating easier travel to Cuba through visa-free entry and direct flights will significantly enhance economic cooperation and boost Cuba’s economy. This sentiment is echoed in China’s broader efforts to support Cuba’s development through initiatives in the services and trading sectors.
The resumption of air routes between China, Cuba, and other Latin American nations reflects a broader strengthening of ties between China and the region. Latin American countries are increasingly seeking economic partnerships beyond US influence, with China emerging as a key ally in their pursuit of independent development.
With several countries implementing visa-free policies for Chinese travelers in 2024, outbound tourism from China has seen a notable uptick, particularly to visa-free destinations. The immediate opening and resumption of direct flights from China to Latin American destinations are expected to further reduce travel time and costs, driving increased Chinese tourism to the region.