TORONTO — Following a record-breaking year in 2019, the Cuba Tourist Board is gearing up for a busy year ahead that includes new luxury properties and an expanded lineup of excursions and events.

Varadero in particular, which welcomed over one million foreign visitors in 2019 for the eleventh consecutive year, will be top-of-mind among travellers, with the debut of the Meliá Internacional Varadero Hotel and the recent reopening of Hotel Sol Varadero Beach Hotel.

Other notable openings include the 438-room The Grand Aston Varadero Resort, the 500+-room The Cayo Buba (opening 2021), and The Continental Cabaret, constructed in homage to the original Cabaret inaugurated on Dec. 24, 1950.

This year will also see new excursions and attractions comings to Varadero, including the Beer House Factory 43, where thirsty travellers can sample traditional Cuba beer and learn about the brewing process. Visitors can also visit the House of Rum, home to over 14 different varieties of Cuba’s emblematic export.

As for high-profile events, Varadero will host the 2020 edition of FitCuba in May, the country’s largest professional tourism event, with the Russian Federation as the guest of honour. Ahead of the event, Varadero aims to complete a number of renovation projects, including the Boulevard de Varadero and a redesign of the Plaza América Convention Center. Infrastructure improvements in the town are ongoing, with new roads and sidewalks and increased lighting and signage expected to elevate the tourism experience.