Skip to main content

#Destinationtalk Cuba



I am ashamed to admit I have never visited Cuba - despite being a Spanish citizen and previously having the opportunity to visit. However, Cuba currently raises a clear interest for anyone who observes and monitors tourism destinations. The recent change in visitation regulations, after 50 years of isolation and now opening to the USA, is a major milestone that brings many legitimate questions. 

While I never visited Cuba, plenty of friends enjoyed the experience over the past 20 years as it is/was. Some would relate visiting Cuba as a trip back in time with the wonderful 1950s cars on the streets and somehow an un-touched decadent glory of the past. 

Glory and decadence filled with proud and educated Cuban citizens that kept culture despite minimal resources.  As an example, the wonderful film Calle 54 and how the film opened the eyes to an entire generation in the world. Delicate cherished culture with maestro Chucho Valdes or Tito Puente. 

I wonder how locals might see the upcoming, fast changes?  How was it to see Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel catwalk? How aware is the Cuban population on the increased interest from USA to travel. Many carriers have announced opening regular schedules as compared to the scarce charter offer at the present moment. Giants from the hospital industry are salivating the opportunities…and exiled owners are about to claim back their properties. How will all this happen? Cruise lines, airlines, hotels chains…fashion gurus…all seems to point to Cuba as the expected promised paradise. 



What is the bucket list for investors? What is the bucket list for locals?  How current authenticity will change? Will our culture swallow and convert an authentic un-touched destination into yet another replication of artificial Caribbean destinations?
The process kick off when Mr. Obama landed a few months ago and is now un-stoppable. This presents a significant opportunity for companies that can establish themselves in Cuba before the rush of tourists arrive. Early arrivals such as Airbnb are tangible evidence of taking an immediate action with media coverage that makes the marketing impact event bigger.

The genuine stuck in time Cuban experience is fragile but the real USP Americans and non-American tourists are looking for are the real non cluttered virgin experience with no Starbucks, McDonalds or Zara on every corner. Does it mean something else on the overall big picture?



I truly believe the answer is YES. Travelers of the world are exhausted by the common mainstream offer. Travelers are looking for the uniqueness of the destination instead of a replication of what is back home. As Gustave Flaubert said “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Placemaking with Purpose: How PADZZLE Transforms Spaces into Destination

  For PADZZLE, placemaking isn’t just a buzzword — it’s our mission. We were honored to be the very first guest on  Coffee Convos with Kelsi Cory , where our founder, Anna Domingo , shared how we approach real estate with a unique blend of purpose, people, and profit. “Placemaking, in our case, we do placemaking with purpose. This is pretty much our trademark,” Anna explained. “Our mantra is to provide purpose, profit, people-centered.” Interview link here: https://youtu.be/yVD_KeA5Qds?t=104 Whether we’re breathing new life into an existing building through adaptive reuse or conceptualizing a brand-new mixed-use development from scratch, our goal is always the same: to create spaces that foster connection, belonging, and joy. PADZZLE collaborates with developers, architects, and communities to transform spaces into places people truly love. From vibrant public plazas to reimagined commercial corridors, our projects are rooted in both local identity and global insight. Wit...
Post a Comment
Read more
  Wrapping Up 2024 with Gratitude and Excitement for the Year Ahead As the holiday season draws near and we prepare to step into 2025, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journeys we’ve had this year. At PADZZLE 2024 has been nothing short of extraordinary, and it's all thanks to you—our trusted clients. This year, we had the privilege of working on remarkable projects across the globe. From the bustling energy of New York City to the serene landscapes of The Caribbean , the innovative pulse of Los Angeles , the timeless allure of Egypt , and the dynamic future of Riyadh , each project has been a testament to collaboration, innovation, and vision. Here’s what made 2024 truly special: Innovation in Design – We’ve tackled ambitious projects that redefined placemaking with cutting-edge ideas and forward-thinking approaches. New Visions for Placemaking and Entertainment – Together, we’ve created spaces and experiences that inspire joy, community, and connection. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Virtual vs Real #Placemaking: Finding the Balance Between Immersion and Authenticity

  Creating spaces that bring people together, whether through art, architecture, or community development, is at the heart of placemaking. But as technology evolves, the way we experience these spaces is also changing. Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and the metaverse promise to transform the experience, offering accessibility and unique perspectives. However, can these digital tools truly replace the depth and authenticity of real-world experiences? Drawing on my reflections and past work, this blog explores the debate between virtual and real placemaking—when does technology enhance, and when does it fall short? Revisiting Placemaking at Its Best When I think of extraordinary placemaking, my mind always returns to The Gates by Christo and Jeanne-Claude in Central Park, 2005. Standing amidst 7,503 flowing saffron panels, it was impossible not to feel inspired, engaged, and deeply present. This unique installation wasn’t just art—it was an experience, drawing mill...
Post a Comment
Read more