Direct flights resumption, visa exemption for Chinese tourists to benefit Cuba's tourism: Cuban officials

The resumption of direct flights between Cuba and China, the visa-exemption policy for Chinese tourists to visit Cuba are expected to benefit the Caribbean country's tourism industry, Cuban officials said.

In an effort to boost Cuba's tourism sector and strengthen the commercial ties and cooperation between Cuba and China, the Cuban government announced last Saturday that it would adopt a visa-free policy for Chinese citizens holding ordinary passports, starting this month.

Cuban officials anticipate that at least 3.5 million tourists will visit the Caribbean country this year.

"This decision is part of efforts by both nations to take bilateral relations to a higher level. I believe that is in the common interests of the two countries to continue to strengthen mutual political trust," said Ariel Lorenzo Rodriguez, director of the Department of Asia and Oceania at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba.

China and Cuba have enjoyed strong relations of friendship and cooperation over the past 60 years. China has supported the island country in sectors such as telecommunications, energy, transport and tourism.

Cuba authorities expect that not only the visa-free policy for Chinese citizens will contribute to the local tourism, but also the resumption of direct flights announced recently by Air China, the country's flag carrier airline.

Air China will resume flights to Havana on May 17.

"In this case, Air China will start, as you said, on May 17th two weekly flights. At the beginning, it will be on Tuesdays and Fridays. In the second stage, it will be on Tuesdays and Saturdays. So, this will help them to come [to Cuba] in a direct way. It will be faster and the travel hours will be shortened a bit," said Elizabeth Vela Jaime, tourism counselor for the Asia-Pacific region under the Cuban Ministry of Tourism.

Cuba's tourism official also said that travel agencies and hotel chains are considering offering Chinese tourists rooms, restaurant menus, and other logistics services in line with Chinese traditions to better cater to their needs.

Direct flights resumption, visa exemption for Chinese tourists to benefit Cuba's tourism: Cuban officials

Direct flights resumption, visa exemption for Chinese tourists to benefit Cuba's tourism: Cuban officials

Direct flights resumption, visa exemption for Chinese tourists to benefit Cuba's tourism: Cuban officials

Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met in Beijing on Monday with Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan, with the two sides exchanging views on China-Saudi Arabia economic and trade relations, global economic governance, as well as other issues.

He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China is advancing its modernization drive in an all-round way, while Saudi Arabia is vigorously implementing its Vision 2030.

The two sides should focus on implementing the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen the synergy of development strategies, deepen multilateral and bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and promote the common economic development and prosperity of the two countries, He said.

Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Jadaan said that Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to developing relations with China and is willing to work with China to continuously tap the potential of practical cooperation in various fields, and to push forward the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

Chinese vice premier meets Saudi finance minister