Meeting and incentive planners should be realistic about service levels and infrastructure in Cuba, says Scott Andrews, president of Houston-based DMC Cuba Incentive Travel Associates, and Phelps R. Hope, senior vice president of meetings and exposition for Kellen Company. Following are some key points to consider.
- Stay focused on Havana. The Cuban capital is the historical and cultural center of the nation.
- Keep the program short. Consider a four-day, three-night program, so the lack of conveniences doesn’t become as much of an issue.
- Communicate about connection. Advise participants there is no cell phone use and that Internet connectivity is available only in hotels.
- Smiles, everyone! Come with a friendly attitude for interacting and learning from the eminently hospitable locals.
- Dining directive. Hotel restaurants are often your best group choice, and those that accept American dollars or Euros usually have better food. Pizza and other American fast-food-style choices are as plentiful as Cuban dishes on many menus.
- Transportation expectations. Do not expect ground transportation equipment to be new or even on par with what is available elsewhere in the Caribbean.
- Socialism services. Cuba’s communist/socialist government has de-emphasized hospitality services. Thus, service levels are wanting when compared to fully developed capitalist economies. Hotel management practices are mandated by government owners.
