A SWISS WITH A PASSION FOR LATIN AMERICA BECOMES A PIONEER IN CUSTOMIZED CUBA TRAVEL
(July 18, 2011) With the easing of U.S. travel restrictions to Cuba, fascination and attention is turning back towards the country that has been forbidden to Americans for 50 years. Reto D. Rüfenacht, chairman of Cuba Real Tours and leading partner in LatinComing, dreams of the day the gates will open so even travelers from the United States will be able to enjoy its beauty. “There will probably be a frenzy to discover the island,” said Rüfenacht.
Having been involved in tourism to Cuba now for 11 years, Rüfenacht saw Cuba’s potential as a leading travel destination early on. Rüfenacht is a veteran in the industry with 25 years of experience. Although initially getting a job in investment banking, Rüfenacht struggled with the ethical issues in the industry, eventually realizing that tourism was his true calling.
Since then Rüfenacht has started multiple travel companies, including Latino Travel, which focused on individual and sustainable tourism in Mexico and Central America (sold in 2006), and Switzerland-based LAT Consulting, which he currently owns and manages.
Having already established himself as a leader in niche travel in these destinations, Rüfenacht chose Cuba as his next challenge. Why Cuba? “It’s a Spanish-speaking country in the Caribbean that was still very unknown, but the mystery was part of the allure,” said Rüfenacht. “Prior to 1998-99, individual tourism was non-existent, and I wanted to be among the first in the area to offer niche tours.”
According to Rüfenacht, the focus of Cuba tourism is on culture, history and authenticity that will be complemented by intact nature and beautiful beaches. Cuba Real Tours offers, “tailor-made top quality individualized and group travel away from the beaten tourist path” that capture the unique culture, music, history, and passion of the country.
“I fell in love with Latin America because of the friendly, proud and passionate people, the rich culture, the brilliant colors and natural beauty of the different countries,” proclaims Rüfenacht. “Now my goal is to share these places with travelers from around the world.”
Prohotel International Inc.
1.713.528.7862
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About Rüfenacht
Reto D. Rüfenacht is one of Switzerland’s leading Latin American travel specialists. Rüfenacht owns three full service tour operating companies: Cuba Real Tours (www.cubarealtours.com), Dom Rep Tours in Dominican Republic (www.domreptours.com), and Tierra Maya Tours in Mexico (www.tierramayatours.com). Rüfenacht is also a leading partner in LatinComing (www.latincoming.com), an alliance of DMC agencies covering Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic. Moreover, Rüfenacht owns and manages Switzerland-based LAT Consulting and is involved in several other projects in the hospitality sector in Latin America.
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