Most Cuba Tourist Areas Unscathed by Hurricane Melissa
by Bruce Parkinson
An increased Canadian travel advisory re Cuba is causing anxiety for advisors and their clients.
Melissa has moved on from Cuba, weakened to a Category 2 hurricane after rampaging through the eastern part of the island.
The temporary closures of airports in Santiago de Cuba and Holguín are still in effect. Passengers are advised to continue to consult with their travel agent or airline for specific flight information.
As of Monday, tour operators had executed repatriation flights, leaving only 33 tourists (including Canadians) remaining in Holguin. The Cuba Tourist Board reports that these guests were safely evacuated to the Brisas Guardalavaca Hotel. Additionally, clients who had booked travel to Holguín since Monday and opted not to change their travel plans were successfully relocated to Cayo Coco.
“While we are relieved that Hurricane Melissa has weakened, our primary focus remains on the safety and well-being of all individuals in the affected eastern provinces,” said Gihana Galindo, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board in Canada.
“We continue to coordinate with Cuba’s Civil Defense to ensure a safe and organized response, and we will keep travellers informed as the situation develops. We look forward to welcoming visitors to our stunning and safe destinations across the rest of the island, where operations are proceeding normally.”
All other popular tourist destinations, including Jardines del Rey, Varadero, Cayo Santa Maria , Cayo Largo, Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Havana remain fully operational.
