Cuba. The 39th session of COCAL 2023 ends this Thursday at the Meliá Internacional Hotel in Varadero Beach, which – from June 4th to 6th – brought together an important group of professionals, linked to the events and congresses in the Tourism sector.
The Prime Minister of Cuba, Manuel Marrero Cruz, was in charge of the closing remarks, where he recognized the work done by the participants, and the quality of the different conferences that were presented, all with great professionalism, such as, “Creativity and management of social networks”, “How to create an irresistible event”, “Technique to keep attendees connected at the event”, and “Considerations at the time to contract suppliers for events”, just to name a few.
He pointed out the need to develop this tourism segment that was also one of those that suffered the ravages of the pandemic, where practically all tourism was paralyzed internationally.
He stressed that MICE tourism is complex, it requires many details and professionalism, because the coordination of several factors is needed to guarantee the success of any event.
He called on the island’s tourism authorities to initiate a preparation process, based on all the conferences that were presented, even with the possibility of inviting some of the speakers to prepare the country’s professionals.
He recognized Luis Ricardo Martínez, current president of COCAL, who has done a meritorious job as the head of the organization.
He referred to the importance that Cuba has been selected for the development of this congress, because it allows a greater visualization, a greater promotion, and show the world the attributes that the country has, a small island, but with a lot of potential, in very difficult times, with a tightened blockade by the United States, “a peace-loving country, that saves lives, with doctors collaborating in more than 58 countries,” he said.
Cuba has excellent conditions for the development of MICE tourism. Throughout the island there are facilities for the development of events and congresses, together with the cultural heritage, its history, nature, tourist destinations, the geographical position that allows good connectivity, many attributes that make Cuba a strong destination for this type of segment.
When Luis Ricardo Martínez, president of COCAL, summarized the intense days of the event, highlighting the emotions that were experienced during these days, “we came as visitors and we leave as ambassadors of Cuba,” he said.
He highlighted the days of work with the young leaders and being able to share their experiences, where 180 students participated, 41 of them foreigners.
He said that this congress in Cuba has been preparing for years, achieving as a result the participation of some 300 delegates from 20 countries, recognizing the work done by the board of directors and the support of the island’s tourism authorities.
He referred to the need to integrate and share information about what works in our countries, with a view to comparing and knowing the incentives that work in each one.
He recognized Cuba for the support provided for the development of the event, “we leave united, integrated and strengthened as a region, and with the commitment to return with Congresses and Conventions,” he concluded.
In this context, the venue of the next COCAL congress was transferred to Peru, a country known internationally for its rich culinary culture.
In the final moments, recognition was given to the workers of the Meliá Internacional Hotel in Varadero and to the officials of the Ministry of Tourism of Cuba who participated directly in the preparation and support of this event.
Source: Periódico Digital centroamericano y del Caribe
