In view of the uncontrolled upturn of COVID-19 in Cuba, Russian tourists could have access to a new destination in the Caribbean, so going to the Island would be in the background, with the Dominican Republic taking the first place.
As reported by the web portal Sputnik News, within a week, several Russian airlines will start flying to three destinations in the Dominican Republic, a decision that will greatly benefit the Caribbean country, but will be a hard blow to the already devastated Cuban tourism sector.
Azur Air began flights to La Romana on August 9, with the intention of boosting tourist arrivals and opening up to commercial exchange, a long-standing desire of the Caribbean nation’s ambassador in Moscow, Hans Dannenberg Castellanos.
Two other airlines, Nordwind and Royal Flight, have authorization from the Dominican Government to operate from Moscow to Puerto Plata, Samaná and Punta Cana, while Russia’s flag carrier, Aeroflot, is authorized to fly to the last of the three destinations.
“We are open to any other airline wishing to fly to the Dominican Republic both on a scheduled and charter basis. We have an open skies policy with Russia,” said the ambassador, adding that “any airline requesting other routes would be authorized immediately, in less than 30 days.”
Miguel Díaz-Canel could run out of Russian hard currency
With this new route in the Caribbean for Russian tourists, Miguel Diaz-Canel’s regime could be strongly harmed, since its two main tourist centers, Cayo Coco and Varadero, are almost exclusively open to foreigners from the Eurasian country and Canadians.
Recently, a video was leaked on social networks showing a large number of tourists dancing and singing in a hotel in Cayo Coco, without any concern for biosecurity measures.
Cuban Internet users blamed such situations for having brought to the island the Delta variant, which is more aggressive than the initial virus.
