Cuba is participating for the first time with its own stand at the NATAS Travel Fair, organized by the Singapore Association of Travel Agents in Singapore.

The country’s presence is highlighted through colorful visuals of its iconic architecture, featured alongside landmarks from around the world in the official branding of the event. This reflects growing interest in Cuba as a new travel destination for the region.

Participation in the fair opens opportunities to strengthen and diversify tourism and cultural relations between Cuba and Singapore, while also aiming to increase visitor arrivals from Southeast Asia.

The Cuban stand includes representatives such as Elizabeth Vela Jaime from the Ministry of Tourism for Asia and Oceania, and Ambassador Lisbet Quesada Luna. Visitors are invited to explore Cuba’s culture, beaches, and rich heritage under the theme “Cuba Única.”

The agenda also includes meetings with the President of NATAS and representatives from Turkish Airlines, EU Holidays, and the LatChamber of Commerce in Singapore, along with other travel agencies and companies participating in the fair.

The NATAS Travel Fair, held twice a year, brings together around 100 exhibitors, including airlines, hotels, cruise operators, banks, and tourism offices. The event is expected to attract nearly 100,000 visitors looking for special offers on upcoming holidays.

In a conversation with IN Diplomacy, Cuba’s Ambassador to Singapore H.E. Lisbet quesada reflects on the spirit of solidarity in Cuban society, the role of women in shaping national progress, and the growing opportunities for cooperation between Cuba and Singapore

A diplomat with more than two decades of experience in international engagement, H.E. Lisbet Quesada Luna has dedicated much of her career to strengthening Cuba’s global partnerships and promoting dialogue across regions. Currently serving as Cuba’s Ambassador to Singapore, she brings extensive diplomatic experience and a long-standing connection to Asia. Her tenure reflects a commitment to building bridges between nations while advancing cooperation in areas such as trade, culture, science, and education.

In a conversation with IN Diplomacy, Ambassador Quesada Luna reflected on the significance of the International Women’s Day 2026 theme, “Give to Gain,” and how it resonates with Cuba’s enduring values of solidarity and collective progress. The discussion explored the contributions of Cuban women to national development, the country’s approach to women’s empowerment, and the growing relationship between Cuba and Singapore. Throughout the conversation, she emphasised that solidarity remains a defining characteristic of Cuban society.

“Cuban women, with their unwavering strength of soul and spirit, are a fundamental pillar of our history,” she remarked. Women play vital roles across Cuban society, from healthcare and education to culture and sports, and their contributions extend internationally through medical missions and educational initiatives. She highlighted the work of Cuban healthcare professionals who supported communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and the educators at the Latin American School of Medicine who train students from underserved communities around the world.

Ambassador Quesada Luna also noted Cuba’s long tradition of female participation in public life. Citing Fidel Castro’s remark that “woman is a Revolution within the Revolution,” she pointed to the creation of the Federation of Cuban Women in 1960 as a major step toward empowering women in social, economic, and political life. Today, women represent 56.71 percent of deputies in Cuba’s Parliament, placing the country among the global leaders in female political representation.

For the Ambassador, education and healthcare remain key pillars of women’s empowerment in Cuba. Both sectors are universally accessible and deeply rooted in community life. Women make up the majority of university graduates and hold prominent roles in fields such as science, medicine, public administration, and the judiciary.

Her diplomatic mission in Singapore marks an important chapter in her career. Despite geographical distance, Cuba and Singapore share common perspectives as small island states navigating global challenges. During her tenure, bilateral ties have strengthened through initiatives such as the signing of the Air Services Agreement in 2024 and the official visit of Cuba’s Foreign Minister, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, to Singapore in 2025.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Quesada Luna expressed optimism about expanding cooperation between the two countries in areas such as education, culture, and trade, particularly as Cuba and Singapore approach the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

The Embassy of Cuba in Singapore marked Cuban National Culture Day with music, dance, and reflection, celebrating cultural icons and Cuba’s enduring global spirit.

Singapore, 30 October 2025 – At the Embassy of Cuba in Singapore, the closing ceremony for the celebration of Cuban culture in the nation-state took place. The event also included the launch of the Rueda de Casino dance group from the Cuban Salsa School in Singapore; a performance by the Cuban band “Havana Social Club” at Cool Cats Club dedicated to this important anniversary; the launch of a video summary of the ODAC Cuban Salsa Festival 2025; and the inauguration of the Embassy’s official Instagram account in Singapore.

The event was attended by Ambassador of Venezuela, H.E. Jessica López; Ms Aleena Tan, a member of the Board of Directors of the International Dance Organization (IDO); Nora Tann, Managing Director of Tanora Enterprise Pte Ltd; and an enthusiastic group of Cuban Salsa students from Singapore.

Ambassador Lisbet Quesada Luna, in her remarks, noted that this year’s celebration holds special significance as it is dedicated to the centennial of Fidel Castro Ruz and the 95th anniversary of the birth of Armando Hart Dávalos, two essential figures in the development of Cuban cultural thought. She added that the centennials of Alfredo Guevara, Juana Bacallao, Abelardo Estorino, and the Matamoros Trio are also being commemorated, along with the 95th anniversaries of the births of Alfredo Sosabravo and Omara Portuondo, and the 40th anniversary of the National Literacy Campaign.

The Cuban diplomat highlighted the attributes that have earned Cuba the World Travel Awards’ Leading Cultural Destination in the Caribbean for five consecutive years, beginning in 2021.

A special moment was the inauguration of a book exhibition about Fidel Castro, who dedicated his entire life to the struggle for independence, social justice, and universal access to education and culture.

The diplomat expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support of the international community against the US blockade that so greatly affects the country’s economic, social, and cultural development, while also thanking friends for their solidarity and concern in the face of Hurricane Melissa’s hit very strong eastern Cuba.

Afterwards, information was shared with those present about the highly anticipated Salsa Festival in Cuba, which will take place from February 26 to March 1 in Havana. The event will be dedicated to Elito Revé and his Orquesta Charangon, in celebration of their 70th anniversary, a fact that was received with great enthusiasm.

The guests enjoyed a variety of traditional dishes and products, while experiencing Cuban culture through traditional dances and dominoes.

Source: Cuban Embassy in Singapore

Singapore and Cuba discuss enhancing collaboration in trade, biotechnology, and multilateral engagements.

Singapore – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, concluded an official visit to Singapore from 15 to 18 February 2025. During his stay, he engaged in a series of high-level meetings aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and exploring avenues for multilateral cooperation.

On 17 February, Minister Rodríguez met with Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong, as well as Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, at the Istana. The leaders reaffirmed the strong ties between Singapore and Cuba, highlighting their collaboration in multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, the G77+China, and the Alliance of Small Island States. They also exchanged views on current international and regional developments.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan hosted Minister Rodríguez for a luncheon on the same day. Their discussions focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in areas including trade, biotechnology, and health. They also explored opportunities for greater engagement between ASEAN and Cuba, and addressed global challenges like climate change, emphasizing their impact on small island developing states.

Minister Rodriguez and Minister Balakrishnan spoke intensively during the meeting. (Photo credit: Embassy of Cuba in Singapore)

Reflecting on the meeting, Dr Balakrishnan stated, “I welcomed my old friend, Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, on his first visit to Singapore in nearly 15 years. We had a wide-ranging discussion on regional and global developments and ways to strengthen bilateral ties.”

Before his departure on 18 February, Minister Rodríguez also met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong. This meeting is expected to further solidify economic and trade relations between the two nations.

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The English edition of Cuba’s renowned culinary book was launched in Singapore, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage and culinary diversity.

SINGAPORE, October 28, 2024 – The Culinary Federation of Cuba (FCC), represented by its president, Chef Eddy Fernández Monte, and Chef Rodolfo Lago Reyes, officially launched the English version of “30 Exquisite Recipes: Icons of Cuban Cuisine“ to an international audience. This event marked the first time the book was presented outside of Cuba, attracting a diverse audience, including Member of Parliament Carrie Tan, the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in Singapore, Mexican Ambassador Mr. Agustín García López-Loaeza, and Ambassadors from GRULAC and other countries, alongside business executives, friends of Cuba, and culinary enthusiasts.

During the event, the Cuban chefs highlighted the importance of the book, which compiles 30 of the most iconic Cuban dishes, chosen through careful research and the input of leading chefs, specialists, and popular opinion. The chefs noted that the selection remains open to expansion, allowing for an even broader representation of Cuban cuisine, celebrated both domestically and internationally.

Chef Eddy Fernández, president of the FCC, shared insights into the unique cultural elements that led to Cuban Creole cuisine being declared the Cultural Heritage of the Nation in 2019. He explained that Cuban cuisine reflects a rich mix of influences from Spanish, Indigenous, African, Chinese, French, and Mexican traditions, among others, all of which have shaped Cuba’s culinary heritage.

Ambassador Lisbet Quesada Luna reflected on October’s historical significance for Cubans, marking the beginning of their independence struggle, Cuban Cuisine Day, and Cuban Culture Day. She also highlighted the challenges faced by Cuban cuisine due to the ongoing U.S. blockade, stressing the resilience of Cuban culture, which continues to thrive through culinary expression, resourcefulness, and the daily efforts of individuals and families.

Attendees concluded the event by tasting traditional dishes featured in the book, accompanied by Cuban music and local products available in Singapore. Thus, the guests immersed themselves in an authentic Cuban cultural experience.

Source: H.E. Lisbet Quesada Luna, Cuban Ambassador

H.E. Lisbet Quesada Luna highlights potential collaboration in tourism, trade, and investment during a visit to Sun Media.

H.E. Lisbet Quesada Luna, the Ambassador of Cuba to Singapore, visited the Sun Media office to discuss the expanding relationship between Cuba and Singapore. The meeting, held on April 24, 2024, provided an opportunity to explore avenues for enhanced cooperation between the two nations.

Ambassador Quesada Luna emphasized the potential for increased collaboration in key areas such as tourism, trade, and investment. She extended an invitation to Singaporeans to visit Cuba, showcasing its rich cultural heritage, historical sites, and natural landscapes. Additionally, she encouraged Singaporean businesses to explore investment opportunities in Cuba, particularly in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and biotechnology.

As part of Cuba’s efforts to promote tourism and investment, Ambassador Quesada Luna announced an upcoming Tourism Exhibition. The exhibition, scheduled for [insert date], will offer insights into Cuba’s vibrant culture, picturesque scenery, and welcoming hospitality, aiming to attract Singaporean travelers and investors.

During the visit, the ambassador underscored the longstanding diplomatic relations between Cuba and Singapore, established in 1997. She highlighted the potential for further collaboration in areas such as education, healthcare, and sustainable development, emphasizing the mutual benefits of strengthened ties.

Overall, Ambassador Quesada Luna’s visit to Sun Media marked an important step in deepening the partnership between Cuba and Singapore. The discussions highlighted exciting opportunities for collaboration in tourism, trade, and investment, fostering greater cooperation between the two nations.

Jardines del Rey, a leading Caribbean tourist destination, set to unveil upgraded nautical experiences during FITCuba 2024, showcasing Cuba’s potential for aquatic leisure pursuits.

April 26, 2024 – Jardines del Rey, a prominent tourist destination in the Caribbean region with more than 30 years of experience in the touristic industry, will exhibit renewed nautical products when hosting, from May 1 to 5, the 42nd edition of the International Tourism Fair FITCuba 2024.

Yoleidy Sosa Rodriguez, sub-delegate of the Ministry of Tourism in the central province of Ciego de Avila, referred, exclusively to the Cuban News Agency, the updating of offers to practice aquatic and underwater activities, considering the potential of the sector and the natural values of marine ecosystems to expand these leisure options.

She stressed that nautical products are a great attraction for visitors, mainly seafaris, diving in coral reefs, tours, sunsets by boat, excursions to Cayo Media Luna, diving activities, life on board, interaction with dolphins and others.

Jardines del Rey is made up of the keys of Coco, Guillermo, Paredon Grande and Anton Chico, located a few miles from the Old Channel of the Bahamas and surrounded by a coral reef nearly 400 kilometers long, considered the second largest in the world and among the most preserved.

Sosa Rodriguez noted that the northern cay of Ciego de Avila has several facilities for the development of nautical activities, including the Marlin Jardines del Rey and Gaviota Cayo Coco marinas, international diving centers, two kite surfing schools, equipment for boat excursions (Boat Adventure) and nautical points adjacent to the 28 hotel facilities distributed among the three islets.

Showcasing the potential of Cuba as a destination, particularly Jardines del Rey, for the development of aquatic and underwater activities is one of the main purposes of FITCuba 2024, the most important commercial tourism exchange in Cuba.

The event, which will be dedicated to Latin America and the Caribbean, will be attended by well-known personalities from the sector in the world and the country, prestigious companies, travel agents, tour operator familiarization groups, specialized media and other guests, who will participate in days of negotiations and exchanges.

Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, recently visited Havana, Cuba to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration in areas such as ports, tourism, air services, and biotechnology.

Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, concluded a successful visit to Havana, Cuba, where he met with several Cuban leaders to reaffirm the strong relationship between the two nations and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration. The visit comes on the heels of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Cuba, and highlights the commitment of both nations to multilateralism and global cooperation.

During his visit, Minister Balakrishnan met with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, as well as Deputy Prime Ministers Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz and Alejandro Gil Fernández. The leaders discussed expanding cooperation in key areas such as ports, tourism, air services, and biotechnology. Minister Balakrishnan also shared Singapore’s development experience with the Cuban leaders, and expressed admiration for the resilience and determination of the Cuban people.

In addition to his meetings with Cuban leaders, Minister Balakrishnan was hosted to lunch by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, where the two discussed the importance of strengthening relations amidst a challenging external environment. They also welcomed the strong cooperation between Singapore and Cuba at the United Nations, particularly through the G77 chaired by Cuba.

The visit underscores the longstanding and enduring friendship between Singapore and Cuba, which is built on mutual respect and shared values. Singapore’s economic and social development experiences can serve as a valuable resource for Cuba as it continues to pursue economic and social growth. The visit also highlights the potential for increased economic and social ties between nations with vastly different backgrounds and cultures.

Sourced from and Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan’s Face