Madrid, January 18 (RHC)-- Cuba received Wednesday the Excellence Award as the Safest Country for Tourism during the 38th International Tourism Fair (FITUR 2018) underway in the Spanish capital.

The recognition was received by the Cuban minister of the industry, Manuel Marrero, who is heading the Cuban delegation to the gathering, reported  Cuban Ambassador to Spain, Gustavo Machin in his twitter account. 

The recognition contrasts with the recommendation recently made by the United States to its citizens to "reconsider" possible trips to the Caribbean island.

The US Department of State recently changed its travel advisory method, and established a ladder that places all nations on four levels, where the first only involves "taking normal precautions" and the fourth receives the warning of "do not travel".

Cuba, whose citizen security indicators are among the best in the region, was placed at level three, which suggest US travelers to “reconsidering visits” to a specific destination because “there are serious risks to their security and protection."

The 38th International Tourism Fair is attended by a Cuban delegation made up of executives from the main hotel chains, as well as the associated Meliá Hotels, Iberostar and Blue Diamond, among others.

According to Prensa Latina news agency, the top business management organizations Viajes Cuba and Cubasol are also participating.

According to the Cuban Ministry of Tourism, last year there was a 10.5% increase of Spanish visitors to the island.