Expedition to Cuba by students of the University of Applied Sciences

In addition to internships in companies, students of Tourism also undergo field experience. In addition to professional knowledge, they deepen their organisational and guiding skills and test their language skills. Their trips are mainly to European countries. Among the students there are many who are interested in exploring non-European destinations. For the really enthusiastic ones, the Department of Tourism started several years ago to prepare the possibility of voluntary field experience in Cuba. This event was first held in late 2010 and met with great success among the participating students. Another five-week expedition to Cuba was completed by students of the Tourism Department of the University of Applied Sciences in January/February 2013, 2015 and 2017. The last expedition so far was a visit to Cuba in 2020.

From a global tourism perspective, Cuba is considered a strategic market and gateway not only to the Caribbean, but to all of Latin America. Tourism is one of the mainstays of the country's economy and can be expected to continue to develop rapidly. The growing interest of foreign tourists in staying in Cuba is undeniable. The island has ideal natural conditions for the development of tourism and a rich cultural heritage. In recent years, there have been significant economic changes, which have also affected the political situation. The number of foreign visitors, particularly from Canada, Spain, France, Germany and Russia, is increasing year on year. The number of clients from the Czech Republic is also growing. It can be expected that our travel agencies will prefer employees with personal experience and contacts in the destination country.

The itinerary and the programme of the expeditions were prepared by the Cuban tourism organisation Cubanacan with the help of the universities of Santiago and Sanctí Spirito.  The expeditions were led by Prof. PhDr. Petr Chalupa, CSc. The group always travelled around the island during their stay, visiting cultural and natural attractions. For example, the largest colonial complex in Latin America in Havana, as well as all nine sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the national parks, we were introduced to all Central American ecosystems, from the coral islands to the tropical rainforests in the east of the island. During the stay of the expedition members in hotels of the highest category of multinational chains, discussions with the managers of these hotels were arranged, as well as a lecture by the director of the Cubanacan agency on the organization of tourism, which is now the most important Cuban economic sector.

There are daily lessons on the geography, history and tourism of Cuba with the active participation of students. Each student works on an assigned topic and prepares a professional article for the press. The expedition also results in undergraduate theses focused on tourism development in Cuba.

Expedition "Cuba 2020"

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Expedition Cuba 2020 through the eyes of a student

Expedition "Cuba 2017"

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Tourism Students of Jihlava Polytechnic College in Cuba

A public presentation of the students' experiences and information gathered took place at the Polytechnic College Jihlava on
April 11, 2017. Present was the Chargé d'Affaires of the Republic of Cuba in Prague, Mr. Félix Andrés León Carball.
More here and in photo gallery.

Expedition "Cuba 2015"

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Polytechnic University Student Expedition "Cuba 2015"

Expedition "Cuba 2013"

Programme

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Caribbean Paradise from West to East

Expedition "Cuba 2010"

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The Jihlava Polytechnic students' trip overseas