TORONTO — As the weather cools and Jack Frost starts to nip at our noses, our thoughts naturally shift to sunnier climates.
To spur those thoughts, Hola Sun Holidays hosted their traditional ‘Friday Fiesta’ evening event, which took place this past Friday at Mississauga’s Le Treport Wedding and Convention Center.
“I see a lot of familiar faces here tonight,” said Hugo Rocha, Sales Director, Hola Sun Holidays. “Thank you for coming and all your support over the years.”
The popular event consistently fills the room on a Friday night year after year, and this occasion was no different, as 100+ travel pros, hotel representatives and media attendees received a full-on Hola Sun welcome.
The event featured dinner, dancing, prizes and the lively sounds of Old Havana. It was not just a perfect kick-off to launch the upcoming winter season but also a glimpse of what’s to come in the tour operators’ new Cuba brochure and latest offerings.
Several hotel partners who flew in specially for the event were on hand to provide agents with the latest hotel updates and ample time for in-person networking.
Hola Sun has supported Cuba for decades and it’s clear that this weekend’s challenges, including a blackout and Tropical Storm Oscar, won’t diminish the Cuba specialist’s commitment to the island – especially when tourism dollars are needed.
BRAND NEW DESTINATIONS & OFFERINGS
Making a splash with Hola Sun this season are new destinations offered on the island: Cayo Paredon and Cayo Cruz, both part of the Jardines del Rey archipelago located on the northern coast of Cuba and newcomer Ramon De Antilla, a brand new tourist area located a few kilometres from Guardalava with flight service from Holguin.
Other highlights, buoyed by client demand, are the many excursions and activities, ranging from eco and city tours to horseback riding, ziplining and sea safaris, and also the option to combine culture or soft adventure with a beach stay.
Overall, offering a fresh new take on the island experience gives clients many new reasons for a first or return visit.
Air Transat will be the exclusive carrier to Hola Sun’s 12 destinations and 200+ hotels across the island.
EMERGING TRENDS FOR 2025
In a recent interview with Travelweek, Rocha shared insight into booking patterns and trends driving Cuban product changes.
“The trend we’ve seen is that clients are booking four-star rated or higher hotels, creating an increased demand for our high-end resorts,” he said.
Rocha added: “We’re also seeing clients upgrade to VIP or exclusive sections with added value, elevating the resort experience and, at the same time, providing peace of mind for the travel agent.”
Rocha also touched on Hola Sun’s expansion and focus on ethnic markets, particularly the Indian and Chinese Canadian markets.
“With the new Muthu hotel chain on the island, there is an opportunity for Indian Canadians to enjoy excellent Indian cuisine and for us to expand and tap into that wedding market,” he noted.
Which market is Cuba aiming to attract next?
If you ask Blue Diamond Resorts, the younger generation will eventually become Cuba’s new repeat client. The resort chain is readying itself to attract a younger demographic this winter, and renovations are underway to reflect its new brand, Resonance Hotels.
The hotel brand will offer two distinct experiences: Resonance Musique, a haven for party enthusiasts featuring daily beach/pool parties, international DJs, and CrossFit; and Resonance Blu geared to wellbeing and spiritual seekers with professional yoga instruction, tai-chi and dedicated meditation areas.
Similar programs are expected to emerge across other hotel brands in Cuba to capture this market segment.
When booking clients, the Cuba specialist asks agents to keep its ‘Safety Ring Plan’ at the forefront. This Hola Sun policy allows clients to cancel within 72 hours before departure and is an excellent value at $55.
And as a thank you for the support of the travel advisor community, Hola Sun offers a robust loyalty program where agents can earn $10 per travelled passenger and redeem for their all-inclusive holiday or air flight.
The program has up to a 900-day redemption after the passenger has travelled, and no blackout period applies.
For more information on Hola Sun Holidays visit: https://holasunholidays.ca/.
