Havana, July 22 (RHC)-- Cuban Tourism Minister, Juan Carlos Garcia, says the island is ready to receive travelers from all over the world, because of the health protection it offers.

Garcia spoke on the television program Mesa Redonda (Round Table) dedicated to the recovery efforts and the economic-social strategy to update its sector.

He recalled that since July 1st, international bookings resumed for hotels on the island's keys of Cayo Coco, Santa Maria, Cayo Cruz, and Cayo Largo del Sur.

Many of the facilities reopened to serve overseas vacationers and airports are duly certified by the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Tourism.

Every hotel has an inhouse protection team composed of a doctor, nurse, and epidemiologist, and a system of protocols that protect both guests and workers.

The Tourism minister reported that the island expects travelers from Russia to Cayo Coco and Santa Maria for the second half of August. In 2019, this nation was the third-largest source of travel to the island.

Russia has already confirmed its list of countries to which its citizens may travel, and it includes Cuba, recognizing the health security of the Caribbean nation.

On the other hand, although Canada was always Cuba's first issuing market, quarantine requirements for people returning to the country are not expected to be lifted until September.

The minister hoped that in future European lists, Cuba would be included for tourism, because countries like France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the United Kingdom are important emitters of tourism to the Caribbean island.