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Social Impact

Supporting the People: Six Ways Our Tours Help Local Cubans

December 3, 2024

Cuba is a land of vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and resilient people who have crafted a life filled with creativity and warmth despite economic challenges. When you travel to Cuba, your journey can be so much more than a vacation—it can be a way to support local communities directly.

At Cuba Candela, we design our tours to foster meaningful connections and positively impact Cuban lives. Here are six ways our tours help support local Cubans while offering you an unforgettable experience.

1. Staying in Privately Owned Hotels

While Cuba is known for its state-run accommodations, privately owned boutique hotels are emerging as a more personal and impactful option for travelers. These hotels are often restored colonial mansions or creative architectural spaces run by local families or independent entrepreneurs. Staying in a privately owned hotel allows you to enjoy a blend of comfort, character, and Cuban hospitality while directly supporting the local economy.

These hotels often provide a more tailored experience compared to larger resorts, with personalized service, unique decor, and authentic Cuban meals. Your stay becomes a way to foster entrepreneurship in Cuba, enabling local owners to reinvest in their communities and preserve the island’s cultural heritage.

2. Dining at Paladares

Cuba’s food scene is brimming with flavor and creativity, thanks to its network of paladares, privately owned restaurants often run by families or small groups. Unlike state-run establishments, paladares rely on independent entrepreneurs who source ingredients from local farmers and markets.

When you dine at these establishments, you’re supporting Cuban culinary innovation and helping small business owners thrive in an economy where private enterprise is challenging. From traditional Cuban dishes like ropa vieja to modern fusion cuisine, every meal tells a story of resilience and creativity.

3. Engaging Local Guides and Drivers

Our tours prioritize hiring local guides and drivers who bring Cuba to life with their deep knowledge and personal stories. These professionals are ambassadors of their culture, sharing insights about Cuban history, politics, and daily life that you won’t find in any guidebook.

Not only does this provide you with a richer travel experience, but it also ensures that your trip directly benefits local workers. Fair wages and sustainable practices are at the heart of our mission to support those who make your journey unforgettable.

4. Promoting Artisan Markets and Workshops

Cuba is home to a thriving community of artisans, from painters and sculptors to jewelry makers and textile artists. Our tours include visits to artisan markets and workshops where you can purchase unique, handcrafted items directly from the creators.

These purchases help support Cuba’s creative economy and preserve traditional art forms passed down through generations. By buying directly from artisans, you ensure that your money stays in the local community while taking home a one-of-a-kind piece of Cuban culture.

5. Participating in Community-Based Projects

Traveling with us often includes opportunities to visit and contribute to community-based projects that focus on education, environmental conservation, and social development. Whether it’s a local music school for children, an urban farm promoting sustainable agriculture, or a dance troupe preserving Afro-Cuban traditions, these initiatives are crucial to improving the quality of life in Cuban communities.

Our partnerships with these organizations ensure that your visit has a lasting impact. Many of these programs are funded by donations or volunteer efforts, so your support—whether financial or simply through spreading awareness—can make a real difference.

6. Supporting Local Entrepreneurs

Cuba’s emerging private sector is filled with creative entrepreneurs who run everything from classic car tours to photography workshops. Our tours intentionally include activities and services offered by these local businesses, ensuring that your travel dollars fuel individual dreams and community growth.

For instance, imagine cruising through Havana in a vintage convertible driven by its owner, who has lovingly maintained the car for decades. Or learning how to roll cigars from a local farmer whose family has been in the tobacco trade for generations. These interactions not only create unforgettable experiences but also empower individuals to sustain their businesses.

Traveling with Purpose

At Cuba Candela, we believe that responsible travel is about building bridges, not walls. Cuba’s challenges are complex, but by prioritizing meaningful connections and supporting local economies, we can play a small role in fostering resilience and opportunity for its people.

When you travel with us, you’re not just a tourist—you’re a partner in creating a brighter future for Cubans. Every meal at a paladar, every stay at a casa particular, and every interaction with a local artisan or guide contributes to a story of hope and empowerment.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Join us on a journey through Cuba that’s filled with rich cultural experiences and opportunities to make a difference. Together, we can explore this incredible island while supporting the people who make it so special.

Book your trip today and discover how travel can transform not just your own perspective, but also the lives of those you meet along the way.

Cuba awaits you—with open arms and endless opportunities to connect, learn, and give back. Let’s explore it together.

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