What do Travelers Want in 2017? More Cuba!

December 21, 2016 by CITA

The results are in: People love Cuba more than coffee.

Client travel spending is expected to increase in 2017, and recent surveys show that 27% of travelers consider Cuba to be their dream international destination. In fact, half of them said they would consider canceling holiday gift-giving and coffee to budget for the trip.

Previous studies show Cuba to be the fastest emerging incentive destination, and this is reflected by its leap to the 24th most popular world travel destination among luxury agents.

Cuba’s urban immersion particularly appeals to millennials, while its wealth of cultural experiences appeal to the baby boomer generation.

As demand for Cuba continues, we encourage MICE planners to learn more about this fascinating new destination for the U.S. incentive travel industry.

Lead times of approximately eight months are recommended to ensure hotel availability, so the time to act is now. Join us on our February FAM trip, or subscribe to our newsletter for regular updates on Cuba incentive travel news and FAM opportunities.

Synopsis of article by travelweekly.com: Traveler wish list for 2017: More Travel. More Cuba

Malcolm BeattieChief Executive, PPG Conferences and Events
[CITA] works tirelessly on the ground on your behalf. I interviewed five different companies in the USA, and I was impressed with [their] honesty and knowledge. I would highly recommend them as an honest and reliable supplier.
Ed LaukesV.P. Marketing, Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
For decades, Toyota has been recognizing top U.S. dealers for their dedication to our brand and customers. This year’s trip to Havana was an experience our dealers won’t soon forget. The support we received from the team at Cuba Incentive Travel Associates was second to none. Their local team provided our dealers with a truly authentic Cuban experience.
Douglas CropperPresident and CEO, Genesis Health System
From beginning to end the [medical education conference] was a major success due to the excellent support and detailed planning of CITA. CITA did an outstanding job catering to our meeting and professional needs during the trip, but where they excelled was delivering an authentic in-country experience.
Beth EllisExecutive Director, Convention-Exposition, NECA
I have always dreamed of being able to visit Cuba. Thanks to Cuba Incentive Travel and HGA Destination Services this dream became a reality. I loved everything that Havana had to offer. This is a definite destination that everyone needs to put on their bucket list. I know one thing for sure...I will be back!
Anju LynnPresident and CEO, Xplor, Inc.
CITA is truly the expert, one and only go to for all things Cuba. Scott and his team have immersed themselves 100% in knowing everything about Cuba and speaking with full transparency. My expectations going in were exactly what was delivered. They did a great job of preparing us for the trip. They also have a tremendous amount of patience and understanding for the people and culture and therefore can react quickly to make things happen. There is no way I would send a group to Cuba without them!
Eve SotnakManager Client Procurement, One10
Thank you so much for an incredible experience on the Havana educational trip sponsored by Cuba Incentive Travel Associates. It was truly a trip of a lifetime and I feel very fortunate to have been able to experience this great destination and to see what it and your company have to offer to our incentive clients. I really appreciate the thought and planning that went into the trip itinerary and the wide variety of experiences that you arranged for our group.
Paul HoweDirector of Sales, Associated Luxury Hotels International
Working with Cuba Incentive Travel Associates is a must when heading to Cuba. Not only do they understand what is required to travel to Cuba, they also understand and embrace the culture, the people and passion and the love for Havana and all of Cuba. There is simply no way you could have such a fulfilling trip without their help. They are experts and can make your trip a once in a lifetime experience. First class!