Tour operators and travel agents from all over the globe will start a weeklong visit to Cuba as part of a mega fam trip planned by Cuban company Havanatur in a bid to let travel-related firms take a firsthand peek at ongoing efforts to mend damages caused by hurricanes Gustav and Ike earlier this month. Havanatur’s vice president Antonio Diaz said the first leg of the mega fam trip –slated from Sept. 21 thru Sept. 26- will bring nearly 500 experts from the Americas, Europe and Australia to the island nation. The second stage of the trip is scheduled for May next year, thus happening together with Cuba’s International Tourism Fair, FITCUBA 2009. The idea is part of Havanatur’s own initiative to celebrate its 30th anniversary on December 19. Mr. Diaz explained the first group of mega fam trippers will gather 125 Mexicans, 120 Canadians, 35 Argentines, 20 Chileans, 60 Spaniards, 50 Frenchmen, 46 Russians, 20 Italians, 14 Ukrainians and 4 Aussies. The trip will include stops in Varadero Beach, Cayo Coco, Cienfuegos, Trinicidad and Santa Maria Key, let alone a chance to huddle with MICE tourism representatives, specialized travel agencies and multi-destination travel companies. |