Hola Sun Holidays has been synonymous with Cuba getaways for years. Offering a vast array of affordable packages, hotels and destinations – both tried-and-true favourites and up-and-coming locales – the Cuba specialist is optimistic that 2023 will be a landmark year, both in bookings and new offerings. In this week’s Take 5, we chat with Hugo Rocha, General Manager, about what travel agents need to know when selling Cuba this year.

1. How did the winter 2022-2023 season go? Would you say bookings have returned to pre-pandemic levels?

“Our reservations during this winter season have picked up. We have got great load factors and support from our retail partners and regular customers, but bookings have not reached the pre-pandemic levels just yet. We are really positive, this having been the first winter season after a couple of difficult years. Many hotels are resuming operations. Even though the industry is still facing issues with the supply chain and many people are still a little reluctant to travel abroad, we do feel that sales are heading into the right direction.”

2. Cuba has long been favoured by Canadians as a winter getaway. But how does Hola Sun keep momentum going during the off-season?

“We work closely with our hotel partners to get competitive rates; we stay active in the market with promotions and keep our clients updated on all our platform including social media.”

3. What are some ways Hola Sun is working with travel agents this year?

“Hola Sun’s sales team ensures they are available for travel agents with questions and any help they may need regarding bookings to Cuba. Our reservations team offers excellent customer service to our agency partners and continues to work hard in building and maintaining a good relationship. We will be having our product launch in person this year, which is exciting seeing that due to the pandemic we had to conduct it virtually.”

4. What’s new at Hola Sun for 2023?

“We are pleased to announce some lovely new properties, which we will highlight more in our upcoming product launch. For example, there are the brand new and beautiful beachfront properties Selectum Family Resort Varadero and Selectum Family Resort Cayo Santa Maria, among others. Agents can visit our website at www.holasunholidays.ca for more details on these.”

5. What’s new in Cuba that you want travel agents to know?

“We are excited about our new and promising destination Cayo Paredon, a beautiful, tiny island of only 8.7 square kilometres. It is only about 30 kilometres away from Cayo Coco (CCC) International airport. Cayo Paredon has some of the best beaches in Cuba, made of very fine, white sand with crystal-clear turquoise waters. It’s a great place to relax or to walk and soak up the sun. We currently have on sale a lovey 4+ property, Grand Aston Cayo Paredon. Coming soon as well is Cayo Paredon Grande.”

For more information go to www.holasunholidays.ca.