Sunwing is set to resume service to Cuba with weekly flights to Varadero and Cayo Coco starting in October and November from Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Edmonton. And as winter progresses, more gateways and destinations are expected to be added to reflect evolving consumer demand, says the tour company.
The announcement comes as Cuba indicated this week that starting Nov. 15, entry requirements to the country will be relaxed and all resort destinations opened. The move will reflect an over 90% vaccination rate in the country, said the tourism board.
As a result, fully vaccinated Canadians will be able to enter Cuba without undergoing a COVID test upon entry or quarantine, though subject to temperature screening and random tests. Visitors who are not fully vaccinated can still enter with a negative PCR test taken with 72 hours of arrival.
Additionally, “competitively-priced” COVID tests for the return home to Canada will be provided at hotels for only US$30 (visa or debit), a feature Sunwing expects to prove popular in a destination already known for its pristine beaches, warm weather, and wide variety of resorts that suit every travel style.
The flight schedule will be as follows:
• Toronto-Varadero, Fridays from Oct. 8
• Toronto-Cayo Coco, Saturdays from Oct. 9
• Montreal-Varadero, Fridays from Oct. 8
• Montreal-Cayo Coco, Saturdays from Oct. 16
• Calgary-Varadero, Tuesdays from Nov. 2
• Edmonton-Varadero, Tuesdays from Nov. 2
Among the resorts on offer will be Grand Memories Varadero, known for its activities and sprawling beach; Iberostar Selection Playa Pilar in Cayo Coco, featuring the area’s only water playground; and Memories Flamenco Beach Resort, which offers a range of water sports like snorkelling and catamaran rides.
“We’re thrilled to be helping our customers head back to the sunny shores of Cuba this fall under our wing,” says Sunwing president of tour operations Andrew Dawson. “Cuba has been an integral part of our operations ever since our inaugural flight took off from Toronto to Varadero in 2005 (and) our Cuba program has continued to grow since then and has been one of our most popular destinations over the past decade.”
To celebrate its return to Cuba, Sunwing is providing complimentary COVID-19 insurance coverage at no additional charge on all vacation packages booked by Oct. 15 for departures through Oct. 31.