The fair is the first international tourism exhibition with its own brand in China, and the largest professional event of its kind in Asia
Havana, Nov 22 (RHC) The culture and sports of Cuba were present at the opening day of the China International Tourism Fair (CITM), the most significant event of its kind in Asia.
Cuban athletes Mijaín López, a five-time Olympic champion, and Javier Sotomayor, a world-renowned high jumper, arrived in Shanghai to meet with the participants of the event.
During the opening ceremony, the Vice Minister of Tourism of China, Zhang Zheng, visited the Cuban stand, where he spoke with the First Vice Minister of Tourism in Cuba, Jorge Alberto García, and the Cuban ambassador to China, Alberto Blanco.
The Cuban delegation at the fair also includes representatives from hotel chains, travel agencies, and the two iconic figures of Cuban sports.
During the meeting, a promotional activity for the destination Cuba will be held, where López and Sotomayor will share their expertise with the press, tour operators, and businesspeople.
This activity is part of the efforts made by both countries to strengthen cultural, tourism, and commercial exchanges, such as the resumption of direct flights between Beijing and Havana and Cuba's announcement of visa-free travel for Chinese tourists.
The CITM is the first international tourism exhibition with its own brand in the country, and it is also the largest professional event of its kind in Asia. Since 2001, the event has brought together tourism organizations, travel agencies, hotels, airlines, cultural institutions, museums, and other companies related to the culture and tourism of China, as well as participants from over 100 countries and regions worldwide.
With the theme "Nihao! China" (Hello China!), the current edition will take place at the National Convention and Exhibition Center, occupying an area of 53,000 square meters, with approximately 2,500 stands.
The Cuban Minister of Tourism for Asia, Elizabeth Vela, previously informed the media that the objective of their participation in this event is to further promote the destination of Cuba, renowned for its security, natural splendor, cultural richness, and diversity. (Source: PL)