St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Republic of Cuba have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen technical cooperation between both countries in the areas of Tourism and Hospitality.

The MOU aims to facilitate cooperation through joint actions, exchange of experiences and technical cooperation. According to the MOU, these areas of common interest include but not limited to product development, promotion and marketing of products, familiarisation tours and enhancement of various types of tourism inclusive of Agro-Tourism, Eco-Tourism, Cultural and Heritage Tourism and Festival Tourism.

Additionally, the partnership provides opportunities for internship exchange programmess which target students and industry stakeholders. The exchange programmes will include training in areas of hospitality services, tourism, gastronomy, language, and the arts.

The agreement was signed in Havana, in the Republic of Cuba where Juan Carlos Garcia Granda, Cuba’s Minister of Tourism, hosted a bilateral meeting with the Vincentian delegation led by Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture.

James expressed his appreciation for the continued solidarity shared between the government and people of the Republic of Cuba and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

According to James, “the agreement will strengthen cooperation in technical areas between both countries and enhance the broad framework of collaboration among countries of the South”.

“We can capitalise on the unique features of our destinations and jointly promote a sustainable tourism package, as we seek to expand our source markets,” he said.

“The relations between the Republic of Cuba and the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines are strong; it is built on solidarity and love,” said Garcia Granda. He further added that the MOU will foster greater collaboration and support for an integrated Caribbean tourism product.

The Ministers of Tourism signed the MOU in the presence of H. E Ellsworth I. E John, Ambassador to the Republic of Cuba and other senior officials from both Ministries of Tourism.

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