PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Wednesday April 1, 2015, CMC – Trinidad and Tobago says it has signed a cooperation agreement with Cuba that will allow for the development of multi-destination tourism packages.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here said that the agreement was signed in Havana by Tourism Minister Gerald Hadeed and his Cuban counterpart Manuel Marrero Cruz.

It said the accord will allow for the exchange of professionals and specialists in scientific research to improve Trinidad and Tobago tourism product as well as joint venture arrangements in the Cuban tourism industry.

The agreement will also allow for Trinidad and Tobago participating in training programmes and student exchanges as well as the exchange of professionals and projects in areas of cultural and natural heritage preservation.

“This agreement comes at an opportune moment in Cuba’s history with the introduction of more liberal incentives for foreign investors and the announcement of the restoration of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States of America in December 2014, which could lead to full normalization in their relationship,” the statement said.

It noted that with visitor arrivals expected to double in 2015, “the prospects and potential for the business community are enormously enhanced by this agreement.

“The expansion of the tourism industry under this agreement will redound to the benefit of the country through increased employment, multi-sectorial linkages and foreign exchange earnings, which will all assist in the diversification of the economy,” the statement added.