Havana, December 28 (RHC)-- Cuba’s Tourism Minister Manuel Marrero has announced that beginning in 2019, the country will commemorate National Tourism Day every November 20th, in recognition to all of the sectors workers.
 
In statements on Cuban radio and television, Marrero said that November 20th was chosen because it was the day when the National Institute of the Tourism Industry (INTUR) was set up in 1959. 

Marrero highlighted that the creation of the entity was in line with the Revolution’s intent on organizing and strengthening tourism development.  He added that the Institute will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year, in 2019.

The Cuban tourism minister also reported on the sector's results in 2018 and its future projections.  He said that 2019 will be a year of challenges for tourism, adding that the sector entities have prepared a plan, based on the existing potential.   He noted that Cuba expects to welcome five million 200 thousand visitors, representing a 7.4 percent growth compared to 2018 and mentioned that hotel occupation and tourism earnings will also increase.
 
The tourism minister affirmed that it will be a very dynamic year, marked by actions to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Havana, International Tourism Fair and the broad investment process underway across the country.