Desde Canada turismo político a Cuba

Turismo político en Cuba

Un tour operador canadiense utiliza los cambios promovidos por Raúl Castro como gancho para vender viajes a la isla

Fernando García

La Habana Corresponsal

Justo cuando la revuelta popular en Egipto amenaza con arruinar por algún tiempo el importante negocio turístico del país -lo que probablemente no sea por ahora el mayor de sus problemas-, una empresa canadiense acaba de inventar una nueva fórmula de viajes de recreo con pretensiones de aventura intelectual. Es lo que podríamos denominar turismo político, en este caso con Cuba como destino del que aprender sobre el terreno.
El tour operador Gap Adventures, uno de los más potentes del sector en la que es por cierto la primera nación emisora de visitantes a la isla caribeña, basa su novedosa oferta en las reformas promovidas por Raúl Castro. Sostiene el fundador de la compañía, Bruce Poon Tip, que “Cuba está cambiando dramática y rápidamente”, lo que en su opinión ofrece una oportunidad única para “experimentar una excitante coyuntura” sociopolítica.
Tal experiencia “cambiará la vida” del viajero mismo, se atreve a prometer la empresa. ¿Cómo? Pasando ocho, nueve o quince días -a elección del aventurero- en convivencia con una familia cubana en su propia vivienda. Una modalidad de alojamiento por otro lado muy usual en Cuba, donde si algo no falta son "casas particulares" donde pernoctar y comer platos criollos a precios bastante módicos.
La oferta de Gap Adventures se completa con diversas opciones suplementarias de turismo de naturaleza, playa y buceo; visitas a fincas tabaqueras; excursiones a pueblos y ciudades; incursiones en parques naturales; sesiones de música autóctona; paseos por la Cuba colonial, y garbeos por algún que otro museo.
En nota de prensa publicitaria dirigida a los medios especializados, los responsables de la entidad destacan la reciente decisión de Barack Obama de eliminar algunas de las restricciones a los viajes a Cuba desde Estados Unidos. Y, como otro de los atractivos coyunturales, aluden asimismo a la próxima celebración, en abril, de un congreso del Partido Comunista de Cuba “del que muchos esperan la mayor revisión en el soviet-style modelo económico del país en 50 años”.
Mientras en Egipto los visitantes extranjeros huyen despavoridos hacia el aeropuerto más cercano, en esta otra parte del planeta hay quien toma como gancho turístico los severos reajustes económicos que Cuba afronta. Y no como gancho para un viaje cualquiera, sino para vivir toda “una aventura”. Es la realidad convertida en parque temático.

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Trip	Country	Days	Style	Service Level	Starting Price
Cuba Libre (CCL)	Cuba	8 days	Classic	Standard	From $739 CAD	Map
Cuba Colonial (CCC)	Cuba	15 days	Classic	Standard	From $1369 CAD	Map
This trip has promotions on selected departures. Click the promotion button below for available dates. Save 15%
Central Cuba Adventure (CCCA)	Cuba	8 days	Classic	Standard	From $629 CAD	Map
This trip has promotions on selected departures. Click the promotion button below for available dates. Save 15%
Cuba Explorer (CCCE)	Cuba	9 days	Classic	Comfort	From $1419 CAD	Map
Cycle Cuba (CCB)	Cuba	8 days	Active	Standard	From $1109 CAD	Map

8 days

From $739 CAD

Trip Style:

Classic

Service Level:

Standard

Physical Grading:

2

Cuba Libre(CCL)

Central America > Cuba

Highlights
Blissing out on the beautiful beaches, Cuban hospitality during a ...

Walking through the pincushion hills, wandering amongst orchids and lush mountain coffee plantations—see another side of the island on this week-long tour through the ‘Garden Province’ of Cuba. Tour a tobacco plantation, snorkel crystal clear waters full of colourful coral and search for the pirates of lore along the Guanahacabibes Peninsula. Soak up local culture in a local homestay for an immersive cultural experience that travellers rarely get to know. Let our experienced CEO lead you off the beaten path and discover the cultural treasures of Cuba.
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15 days

From $1369 CAD

Trip Style:

Classic

Service Level:

Standard

Physical Grading:

2

Cuba Colonial(CCC)

Central America > Cuba

Highlights
Salsa dancing with the locals, walking in Che Guevara's footsteps, ...

The melody of horns floating through the air, classic cars parked in colonial squares and revolutionary statues—get over the resort wall and discover the real Cuba! Travel east to Santiago de Cuba and Baracoa and encounter the birthplace of Cuban rhythms and revolutionary fervour. Soak in Spanish heritage while exploring churches, forts and cobblestone streets. Overnight in local homestays for an immersive Cuban experience few travellers get to experience. Don't just walk down the road less travelled—dance down it. Viva la Revolución!
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This trip has promotions on selected departures. Click the promotion button below for available dates.

Save 15%

8 days

From $629 CAD

Trip Style:

Classic

Service Level:

Standard

Physical Grading:

2

Central Cuba Adventure(CCCA)

Central America > Cuba

Highlights
Local homestays, cruising along the Bay of Cienfuegos, salsa dancing ...

Enjoy the sights and sounds of central Cuba on this week-long adventure to some of the famous sites that have drawn outsiders to this magical island over the last several decades. Journey through history-infused Havana and the cobblestone streets of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then head to Cienfuegos for some relaxing at the beach and a tour of its impressive bay. Visit monuments to the icons of the revolution and experience a side of Cuba few rarely get to see by foregoing your hotel a few nights for a local homestay.
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This trip has promotions on selected departures. Click the promotion button below for available dates.

Save 15%

9 days

From $1419 CAD

Trip Style:

Classic

Service Level:

Comfort

Physical Grading:

2

Cuba Explorer(CCCE)

Central America > Cuba

Highlights
Cruising through Havana in a vintage automobile, watching the famous ...

Explore a side of Cuba that few rarely get to experience on this nine-day adventure. Cruise Havana’s history-infused streets in a classic car and stroll along Trinidad’s cobblestones avenues to the rhythms of music floating from open windows. Tour a tobacco plantation for a taste of iconic Cuban culture and luxuriate in the view of the island’s rolling western hills. Travel by private air-conditioned van is well-paced, so you're refreshed and ready to explore the island’s vibrant culture and incredible Caribbean beaches.
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8 days

From $1109 CAD

Trip Style:

Active

Service Level:

Standard

Physical Grading:

3

Cycle Cuba(CCB)

Central America > Cuba

Highlights
Cycling through pincushion hills, sampling Cuban rum at the distillery, ...

Leave the resorts of Varadero behind and discover the real Cuba on this eight-day active adventure. Get your blood pumping cycling the hills of the Guaniguanico and El Rosario mountain ranges and marvel at scenic vistas that will take your breath away. Tour a tobacco plantation for a taste of iconic Cuban culture. With its lush scenery, vibrant culture and incredible beaches, this active cycling adventure will have you exploring a side of this island few rarely get to know.
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