MIAMI, United States. – Authorities of the Cuban Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR) consider that the recent explosion of the Saratoga hotel will not affect the country as a tourist destination, according to what was revealed this Tuesday in a Press conference Offered by MINTUR officials and Gaviota SA
“We are convinced that the image of Cuba will continue to be that of a destination of peace, tranquility, security and solidarity,” Carmen Casals, one of the MINTUR spokespersons, told the press.
Likewise, he assured that all the messages of condolence and solidarity received after the explosion of the Saratoga from tour operators, airlines, tourism ministers, travel agencies and tourists, were “a sign of the confidence that there is in Cuba as a tourist destination.” .
The official also specified that the island’s tourist facilities “continue to serve national and international tourists who currently enjoy their vacations” in Cuba with “the tranquility and security” that “characterizes” the country’s tourism sector.
Asked about the status and future of the Hotel Saratoga, the delegate of Gaviota SA in the western region of Cuba, Roberto Enrique Calzadilla, indicated that all efforts were focused on rescuing the three workers of the facility who were still missing.
“When I finish [ese esfuerzo] ―and we think that we are quite close with everything that has been done there in very complex conditions― because then there will be a multidisciplinary team ―which we have already conceived― that will delve into the current situation of that property and from there they will present the decisions that with the competent bodies are estimated”, he said.
MINTUR updates
Until 3:00 p.m. this Tuesday, 42 deaths and 96 injuries were reported because of the explosion at the Saratoga hotel, which occurred last Friday a little after 11:00 in the morning.
While 23 workers at the tourist facility died (of the 51 who were on site), three others who were inside the building at the time of the explosion remain missing.
The Saratoga explosion occurred just one day after the FITCuba 2022 International Tourism Fair closed, which was attended by representatives from 54 countries.
Shortly after the explosion, the Cuban government reported that it was an accident caused by a gas leak.
The Saratoga, built in 1880, had been in operation since 1911 as a hotel. Its last restoration took place in 2005, when the building was extensively renovated and reopened with a five-star category.
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