TORONTO — Cuba has already surpassed the 500,000 visitor mark for 2018 and much of the credit goes to Canada, once again the island’s top source market.

With the half-million milestone surpassed so early in the season, all signs point to another strong year of tourism growth for the popular island nation, says the Cuba Ministry of Tourism.

More than one million Canadians make the trip to Cuba every year.

The stats were released just ahead of the Cuba International Tourism Fair (FIT Cuba), the destination’s most important tourism industry event.

Now entering its 38th year, the event will take place May 2 – 6 in Cayos del Norte de Villa Clara. Surrounded by sun, sand and sea, attendees will get to fully experience Cuba’s beauty and hospitality at the fairground on Cayo Santa Maria.

FIT Cuba draws tourism industry attendees from all over the world, including tour operators and travel agents from Canada, Europe, South America and Asia.

The 2017 event hosted one of the largest groups ever, with more than 5,000 delegates from some 60 countries. The theme for FIT 2018 is ‘Sol y Playa’.