CAYO SANTA MARIA, Cuba.- Under the "Sun and Beach" slogan, the Varadero resort town will host next year’s International Tourism Fair, FITCuba 2013, the minister of the sector, Manuel Marrero, announced.

Upon closing the 32nd edition of the event on Thursday that brought together businesspersons, tour operators, journalists and other specialists involved with the leisure industry, the Cuban tourism minister said Brazil was chosen as guest country for the next event, scheduled for May 7-10, 2013.

Marrero said the fair was a resounding success as it attracted more than 900 delegates from 39 countries to the northeastern keys of Villa Clara, who carried out business rounds that enable to foresee a takeoff in the purpose of traveling to Cuba.

Marrero Cruz reaffirmed that among the main attractions of the island is its coveted nature, paired with its historical and cultural legacy.

As part of complementary activities of the meeting, more than 80 journalists and other participants made a tour of the historical center of the city of Remedios, where they visited cultural and recreation facilities, and enjoyed a varied show offered by amateur artists from the ancient town.

Russia’s ambassador to Cuba, Mijail Kaminin, told ACN he was impressed by the nice reception given by children and youngsters who welcomed the delegates with music, dancing and with special joy, from the train station to the main square.

Anabella Quiroga, from Argentina’s daily Clarin, said she was impressed by a visit to a local school where she saw a picture of Che with the colors of Argentina’s flag hung on the blackboard.

A journalist representing Venezuela’s tourism media, Angel Lagardena said he always finds new things in the colonial city, which is rich in traditions that make it a wonderful attraction that everyone wants to see, because of all its architecture and its majestic church.