Beijing-Havana flights to boost Cuba's tourism industry

Cuban officials are anticipating a boost in tourism when direct flights begin between Beijing, China and Havana later this month.

Cuba’s deputy Tourism Minister Mayra Alvarez, says the flights, scheduled to being on December 27 will lead to the increase of Chinese tourism to Cuba, Latin American and the Caribbean.

Alvarez who recently participated in an Air China promotional event said China is the 17th major source of visitors to her country.

Meanwhile, Air China’s marketing manager He Zhigang announced that the first direct flight to Havana will make a technical stop-over in Montreal before arriving here next month.

The direct connection, which will use a Boeing 777-300ER three times a week, will be key to promote Chinese tourism to Havana, Alvarez noted.

According to official statistics, over 22 thousand Chinese tourists traveled to Cuba between January to November 2014.